NSCDC nabs 36 scavengers with illicit drugs, weapons in FCT

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended 36 scavengers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for allegedly possessing illicit drugs and weapons.

Dr. Olusola Odumosu, Commandant of NSCDC’s FCT Command, made the announcement on Friday in Abuja, revealing that the suspects were arrested in various parts of the city. This comes after the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had prohibited scavenger activities in the area and temporarily suspended pan-taker operations for two weeks.

The items seized from the suspects include four daggers, three jack knives, two chisels, three knives, narcotic substances such as ten bottles of codeine syrup, 45 wraps of cannabis sativa, trash bags, and pieces of iron rods.

“The suspects are currently under investigation and profiling, and I will ensure that due diligence is followed in their prosecution,” Odumosu assured.

He also urged FCT residents to use designated waste management companies for refuse disposal and avoid patronizing scavengers, popularly known as “Baba Nbola,” for safety reasons.

According to Odumosu, the arrests were part of efforts to prevent the vandalism and theft of public infrastructure, such as manhole covers, streetlights, solar panels, and armored cables.

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He noted that many of the scavengers engage in criminal activities under the guise of their trade.

“These scavengers are dangerous elements, and they must be flushed out of the FCT if we want crime to reduce,” he said. “Although they may appear innocent, most of them are extremely dangerous.

Their activities are criminal, and they pose a threat to the public.”

Odumosu further revealed that investigations had shown that these scavengers often act as informants for criminals, profiling residents based on the types of waste they dispose of.

He called on residents to collaborate with security agencies to eliminate these threats from the city, advising them to report any suspicious activities involving scavengers and to drive them away from neighborhoods.