KEY POINTS
- Abuja Market was raided on monday by security forces, as the market remain closed
- 20Manhole covers were recovered
- FCT Police Commissioner Olatunji Disu addressed journalists.
On Monday, joint security forces in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja carried out a targeted operation on Pantakers Market in Dei Dei. They uncovered a cache of manhole covers they say have been stolen.
The operation relied on intelligence reports about suspected hideouts for stolen public infrastructure, particularly sewer manhole covers.
Details of the operation
The attack started at the Dei Dei Saburi area before swinging into the market. Special Assistant on Media to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka shared a video of the raid on his X handle and worried about the magnitude of the discoveries.
Security men of FCT raided Pantakers Market, Dei Dei, Abuja searching for stolen sewage manhole covers. They will shock you with what they discovered!” Olayinka also remarked.
Upon their arrival, the armed detail for the case of protection, together with the unarmed search operatives, then ordered the shop owners, open their shops for a thorough inspection. During the raid, 20 stolen manhole covers were recovered.
Scavenging ban; market closure
After the raid, FCT Police Commissioner Olatunji Disu addressed journalists in saying the ban on scavenging in the FCT still subsists and that Pantakers Market remains closed indefinitely.
“The Pantekas further remain closed. Disu warned that anyone found scavenging in the area would be arrested and prosecuted, while stating: ‘It remains closed.’ He also told residents to report any suspicious activities to security agencies.
Ongoing investigations and prosecution
The Nigerian police will investigate and profile recovered items and the detained suspects. Commissioner Disu assured the public that culprits of the theft of public infrastructure will be forced to face the law.
Community Cooperation Requested
Disu said public cooperation is important by urging residents to remain vigilant and share information with security agencies to help check illegal activities.
This represents continuing efforts by FCT authorities to fight the theft of public infrastructure, a concern plaguing the nation’s capital.
