The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced a series of robust measures to address the growing challenges of vandalism, scavenging, and robbery within the capital city. These decisions were reached at the 2025 inaugural Security Council meeting, chaired by the Minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike.
Harsher Penalties for Vandals
In a decisive move to protect public infrastructure, the FCTA declared that individuals caught vandalizing public property will now face charges of economic sabotage. Depending on the severity of the crime, offenders could also face charges of attempted murder or murder.
FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, criticized the previous penalties, stating they were insufficient to deter such activities. “Many of these criminals are fined as little as ₦2,000 or given 24 strokes of the cane. This does nothing to deter them. Going forward, we will charge them with economic sabotage and, in severe cases, attempted murder or murder,” he said.
CP Disu underscored the risks posed by vandalism, particularly the removal of manhole covers, which often results in fatal accidents. “This is not just about infrastructure—it’s about lives. Imagine driving at night and falling into an open manhole,” he stressed.
Crackdown on Scrap Metal Dealers and Scavengers
To curb the role of scrap metal dealers and scavengers in enabling vandalism, the FCTA has suspended the operations of Pantekas (scrap metal markets) for two weeks to allow for a thorough profiling of operators.
Additionally, scavenging activities have been restricted to designated dump sites outside the city center and suburban areas. “Scavengers must limit their activities to dump sites. They have no business in the city center or residential areas,” CP Disu declared.
Progress in Tackling “One Chance” Robberies
The police have reported significant achievements in reducing “one chance” robberies, recovering 21 operational vehicles used by criminals in 2024. CP Disu emphasized the effectiveness of intelligence-driven patrols and assured the public of continued efforts to combat this menace.
“These criminals often use fully tinted vehicles, making it difficult for victims to seek help. We will maintain our proactive strategies to reduce these crimes,” he stated. He further clarified that such acts are treated as armed robbery or, in some cases, kidnapping under the law.
Update on Bwari Bomb Blast Investigation
Regarding the recent bomb blast in Bwari, CP Disu assured residents that investigations are ongoing. “We are doing everything possible to unravel the matter. When the time is right, I will provide an update on our findings,” he assured.
Call for Community Collaboration
The FCTA urged residents to take ownership of public infrastructure and report suspicious activities to authorities. “If you see something, say something. Let’s join hands to protect what belongs to all of us,” CP Disu appealed.
Commitment to Safety and Development
These measures underscore the FCTA’s determination to create a secure, modern, and inclusive Federal Capital Territory. Residents are encouraged to support these efforts by cooperating with authorities to safeguard lives and public assets.
