The FCT Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has warned illegal scrap operators to desist from selling vandalised government property.

The FCT commandant of the corps, Olusola Odumosu, gave the warning on Tuesday in Abuja during an interview with journalists.

Mr Odumosu said anyone caught engaging in vandalising government property or engaging in their sales would be arrested to face the law’s wrath.

He said, “Any person found selling stolen government property like rail tracks, streetlight poles and panels, manhole covers, armoured cables and the likes will be arrested, and his business will be permanently closed.”

Mr Odumosu disclosed that the FCT scrap markets, popularly known as “pantakers”, were undergoing profiling to ensure that only genuine and certified dealers operate.

He charged genuine businessmen operating at the pantakers to verify the origin of all the goods they acquire and desist from shielding thieves who bring stolen items to them.

Mr Odumosu said that shielding thieves who bring stolen items to them makes them accomplices, and as such, they will be charged along with them.

He further charged FCT residents to report suspicious scavenging activities within their vicinity to the nearest security outfit.

Mr Odumosu revealed that operatives of the command recently arrested 12 alleged scavengers following the ban of their operations in the territory by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The commandant said the arrests of the male suspects, aged between 17 and 38 years, was a testament to the command’s commitment to eradicating the operations of miscreants who disguise as scavengers, popularly known as “baba nbola”.

”These criminals pose significant threats to the safety of the people of the FCT, as well as truncate the good intentions of the government to provide the needed amenities meant to make life meaningful for the people.

“I want to remind residents that the ban on scavenging in the FCT remains sacrosanct.

”I am determined to ensure that the ugly trend of vandalism and theft perpetrated by this group of people is brought to an end in the city and its suburbs,” Mr Odumosu said.

(NAN)