The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 36 scavengers, commonly known as “Baba Nbola,” in Abuja.
The FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, disclosed this during the parade of the suspects at the Command’s Headquarters in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, on Friday.
NewsNGR reports that their arrest follows the directive of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to suspend operations in the Pantaker Markets and ban scavenging activities across the city to curb the theft and sale of vandalized public infrastructure.
Odumosu said the crackdown, launched on Monday, January 13, 2025, is part of efforts to curb the theft and destruction of critical public infrastructure, including manhole covers, solar panels, and armored cables.
He said: “You will recall that a few days ago, precisely Monday, 13th January 2025, the Hon. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), His Excellency, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Wike, through the FCT Commissioner of Police, announced the suspension of all commercial activities in the Pantaker Markets for two weeks and an outright ban on scavengers (AKA Baba Nbola) indiscriminately roaming the streets of the FCT, perpetrating all forms of criminal activities under the guise of scavenging.
“This move by the FCT Administration was necessitated by the need to curb vandalism of public infrastructure such as manhole covers, streetlights, solar panels, armored cables, and so on.
“Therefore, in compliance with the enforcement of these new policies of government, this morning, I have thirty-six (36) scavengers arrested across the city center and the suburbs of Abuja.”
He revealed that the arrested individuals exploit their guise as scavengers to perpetrate heinous crimes, including theft, vandalism, and even violent attacks.
He noted that investigations have uncovered their involvement in removing and selling stolen road infrastructure like drain covers and iron rods, while some act as informants for kidnappers and armed robbers. Others are armed with dangerous weapons and rob unsuspecting commuters and residents, especially at night.
“The suspects are currently being investigated and profiled, and I will ensure that due diligence is followed in their prosecution. The FCT Administration is making frantic efforts to ensure that stiffer penalties are meted out to these miscreants to serve as a deterrent and discourage others who may want to come to the FCT with similar intentions.
“They go about the nooks and crannies of the city and satellite towns—house to house, estate to estate—scavenging for plastics, scrap metals, and irons, but their real mission is far more sinister. From previous arrests, interrogations, and investigations, we have realized that their real business is to vandalize and remove our road infrastructure, such as manhole covers, flood drain covers, streetlights, armored cables, rail sleepers, iron rods for bridge enforcement, and the like, which fetch them good money.
“The public also needs to know that some Baba Nbolas now disguise themselves to rob innocent commuters and bystanders. They go about with dangerous weapons to attack and dispossess people of their personal belongings, especially at night. Our record shows that many who dared to challenge them in the past met untimely deaths, while others were maimed in various parts of the Federal Capital Territory,” Odumosu stated.
The Commandant said during the operation, officers and men of the corps recovered an array of dangerous weapons and narcotics, including four daggers, three jack knives, two chisels, three knives, forty-five wraps of Indian hemp, ten bottles of codeine syrup, and pieces of stolen iron rods.
Odumosu, however, called on Abuja residents to remain vigilant and support the fight against these threats to public safety.
“Although they appear innocent, these individuals are far from harmless. Their activities threaten the safety of lives, property, and the city’s critical infrastructure,” he said.
He urged residents to report any suspicious movements, stop patronizing scavengers, and ensure proper waste disposal to deny these miscreants access to valuable information.
He emphasised that the operations of Pantaker Markets, a major outlet for stolen and vandalized goods, have been suspended for two weeks, and scavengers are now restricted to designated dumpsites where their activities can be monitored and controlled.
Odumosu reiterated that the Corps, in collaboration with sister security agencies, will intensify efforts to dislodge scavenger colonies across the FCT.
“This is a warning to all scavengers: your activities are banned. Anyone found loitering the streets with sacks or tools will be arrested and prosecuted,” he declared.
He noted that the arrested suspects are undergoing profiling and investigation, with stiffer penalties being proposed to deter future offenders.
“We are committed to restoring order and safety to Abuja. We seek the cooperation of the public to succeed. When you see something, say something, and we will act promptly,” Odumosu added.