The commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, has called for the regulation of Pantaker markets in the FCT.
This is in response to the ongoing theft and vandalization of government infrastructures in Abuja and its surroundings. Odumosu emphasized the need to regulate these markets because stolen infrastructures often end up there and are readily bought.
Intelligence reports have revealed that there is a significant market for damaged and vandalized government infrastructures, contributing to criminal activities in the FCT.
Odumosu made the remarks while addressing personnel of the Command during the Monday muster parade at the NSCDC FCT Command Headquarters.
He stated that the FCT administration needed to regulate the Pantaker markets in the territory.
He said intelligence gathered revealed that most vandalized items end up in Pantaker markets for sale.
“With the proliferation of pantaker markets all over the city and the suburbs, criminals have ready markets to sell vandalized metals, iron, aluminum, armoured cables, scraps, and other stolen items which had increased the spate of vandalism of public properties in the FCT.
“There is a need to address pressing concerns related to the sale and purchase of second-hand goods in pantaker markets which currently lacks comprehensive and diligent oversight.
“Regulation, monitoring, and enforcement of compliance with government policy will help curb to a reasonable extent the cases of vandalism of infrastructure in the territory,” the FCT Commandant said.
According to him, proper regulation will not only help to curb the excesses of criminally minded dealers who receive items from vandals of public facilities, but it will also foster economic stability by ensuring that only legitimate activities and authentic products are bought or sold in the market.
“Unregulated markets for used items pose inherent risks to consumers and undermine the integrity of its commercial operations.
“It is imperative that we establish clear rules and guidelines to protect the properties of individuals and that of the government.”
“Proper regulation has the potential to enhance marketplace accountability, and will help security agencies in identifying and bringing criminals who engage in acts of vandalism and theft to book,” Odumosu said.
He added that the recent completion of projects and the successful commissioning of various infrastructure by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike calls for improved service and a renewal of strategy against destruction of government property.
“It is therefore our collective responsibility as a Command to ensure the protection of these infrastructures which is a fulfilment of the ‘renewed hope’ promise of this current administration,” he said.
He charged his officers and men to redouble their efforts in the protection of critical infrastructure in the territory.
Odumosu warned that anyone caught attempting to sell vandalized or stolen items in these markets would face the full wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent to others