By Musa Waliu |
The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, on Friday paraded 36 scavengers arrested across Abuja for alleged involvement in various criminal activities, including vandalism and theft of public infrastructure.
While addressing the media, the FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, confirmed that the suspects were arrested in different parts of the city centre and surrounding areas as part of an ongoing operation targeting scavengers, commonly referred to as Baba Nbola.
The arrests were made following an order from the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to enforce a ban on scavenging and suspend commercial activities at Pantaker Markets for two weeks.
“These individuals have been arrested for engaging in criminal activities under the guise of scavenging,” Commandant Odumosu said. “They are responsible for vandalising critical public infrastructure like manhole covers, streetlights, solar panels, and other assets, which they steal to sell as scrap. This has caused significant damage to the city’s infrastructure.”
He further disclosed that some of the suspects were also involved in robbery, theft of household items, and other criminal activities. Items recovered from the suspects include four daggers, three jackknives, chisels, iron rods, narcotic substances, codeine syrup, and wraps of cannabis.
The commandant added that investigations revealed that many scavengers double as informants for armed robbers, kidnappers, and other criminal gangs. He highlighted the danger posed by such individuals, noting that they often profile and gather information on residents to aid in criminal activities.
“The most alarming aspect is that many of these scavengers act as informants for criminal gangs—armed robbers, kidnappers, hired assassins, terrorists, and bandits,” Odumosu explained. “These individuals track families, gather details about their homes, and sometimes even inform criminals about their targets’ daily routines, including what cars they drive and their lifestyle based on the waste they dispose of.”
He lamented that these criminals often go unnoticed or are wrongly sympathized with, as many Nigerians see them as innocent people simply trying to make a living. “Unfortunately, many people perceive these scavengers as poor individuals hustling for survival and let their activities go unchecked. In reality, these people are behind several crimes occurring around us,” Odumosu said.
The Commandant called on residents to actively support security agencies by reporting any suspicious activities related to scavengers. He reiterated the FCT Administration’s zero-tolerance policy on scavenging, warning that violators would face legal action.
“I want to stress once again that the activities of scavengers, known as Baba Nbola, are now prohibited within the city center and suburbs—both day and night. They have been restricted to designated dump sites where refuse is deposited by the waste management authorities,” he said.
Odumosu urged the public to properly dispose of their waste and avoid patronizing scavengers for the safety of themselves and their families. “Residents are advised to report any suspicious activities related to scavengers and cooperate with authorities to ensure the safety of the city,” he added.
The arrested suspects are currently being profiled and investigated. The NSCDC Command assured that all due processes would be followed in prosecuting those involved in criminal activities.
