In a bold move to address growing security issues and curb illegal activities, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced a two-week ban on used items markets, known locally as “Panteka,” alongside a crackdown on scavenging activities in key areas of Abuja. The directive, effective from Tuesday, January 14, 2025, is part of Wike’s efforts to regulate these markets and improve safety in the nation’s capital.
The controversial decision was made public after an FCT Security Council meeting, where it was revealed that these actions were taken to combat mounting security concerns and illegal vandalism. Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, shared the news on social media, where he emphasized that both the scavengers and Panteka traders would face immediate scrutiny.
“This ban is necessary for us to carry out a proper profiling of these activities. For the next two weeks, we will be working to ensure that only legitimate operators are allowed to continue,” Wike said in a statement following the meeting.
Security and Infrastructure Vandalism Under Fire
Wike’s move comes amid heightened security concerns in the capital, particularly related to vandalism and the illegal removal of public infrastructure. One of the most troubling issues the minister highlighted was the theft of manhole covers, a practice he believes poses a direct danger to residents.
“The activities of vandals have become so alarming that they are a direct threat to lives. People are removing manholes, leaving dangerous holes in the streets. At night, unsuspecting drivers are at risk, and this could result in fatal accidents,” he said. “Going forward, anyone caught vandalizing public infrastructure will face charges for economic sabotage and, depending on the severity of the case, could even face charges for attempted murder.”
According to Wike, the penalties for such crimes have been lenient in the past, which has contributed to the recurrence of these offenses. He expressed frustration with the light punishments often given to criminals, such as fines or community service, which he believes have not been effective in deterring criminal activity.
Crackdown on Scavengers: New Restrictions on Urban Areas
In addition to the ban on used items markets, scavenging activities have also been prohibited in the city center and surrounding suburbs of Abuja. Wike clarified that scavengers would now be restricted to operating only in designated dump sites.
“We cannot continue to allow scavengers to roam the streets of the capital, especially in urban areas. This will not only help maintain order but also improve public health and safety,” Wike remarked.
The activities of scavengers, often involved in the collection of valuable scrap materials, have long been a point of contention in the FCT. Critics argue that while some scavengers are simply trying to make a living, their presence in busy urban centers has contributed to environmental degradation and posed health risks.
The FCT administration’s efforts to regulate this sector come in the wake of an increasing number of complaints from residents about the nuisance caused by scavengers. Wike has made it clear that any future violations will result in legal consequences.
Addressing ‘One Chance’ Criminals: A Growing Problem
Another major issue tackled during the meeting was the scourge of “one-chance” criminals – a term used for armed robbers operating in commercial vehicles. According to the FCT security authorities, these criminals often use tinted cars to carry out their operations, making it difficult for bystanders to intervene or for victims to seek help.
Disu, an official from the FCT’s security team, revealed that last year alone, over 20 vehicles used by “one-chance” operators had been seized, signaling a significant victory for law enforcement. However, Disu noted that these criminals are often not native to Abuja and frequently come from other states to exploit the capital’s vulnerability.
“They come in fully tinted vehicles, which is a tactic to prevent anyone from seeing what’s going on inside. It’s a serious concern for the safety of Abuja residents, and we are determined to step up our efforts to combat this menace,” Disu explained.
He further assured residents that security patrols would be intensified, and intelligence-gathering would be a priority to ensure the successful capture of these criminals. “We are committed to working with the public to stop these criminals, and we will continue to take proactive steps to safeguard our streets,” he said.
Throughout the meeting, Wike stressed the importance of public cooperation in ensuring the success of the measures being implemented. He called on residents of the FCT to be more vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
“Everyone has a role to play in keeping our city safe. If you see something, say something. Together, we can protect our city and ensure that Abuja remains a safe place for everyone,” Wike urged.
The recent clampdown on illegal markets, scavengers, and criminals in Abuja marks a significant shift in the FCT administration’s approach to governance and security. While the two-week ban on Pantekas and scavenging activities is temporary, Wike’s administration has made it clear that it is prepared to take further actions to ensure the safety and well-being of the capital’s residents.
