By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
Strong indication have emerged that anyone caught engaging in vandalization of public infrastructure within the federal Capital Territory (FCT) will now be charge of economic sabotage instead of hitherto lenient punishments.
This was what formed part of the decisions reached during the first FCT Security Committee meeting presided by the Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike in Abuja on Monday.
The Committee also announced ban on any scavenging activities in the nation’s capital particularly within the Federal Capital City (FCC) and ordered two weeks closure of all Pantaker Markets to pave way for proper profiling.
This disclosure was made by the Commissioner of Police, FCT, Olatunji Disu while speaking to the newsmen shortly after the meeting,he emphasized the need for sricter penalties, saying that lenient punishments have allowed vandals to continue their 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.
On the banning of scavengers, he said they can only be allowed to operate on dumpsites located in the outskirts of the city and the suburbs
His words: “All security agencies have been tasked with ensuring that this order is enforced, beginning from Tuesday, January 14.”
“The ban on scrap metal dealers was to enable the authorities profile them and allow only who are legitimate to operate, the CP stated.
This, he said, would ensure that only legitimate operators operate in Pantakers across the FCT.
Commenting on activities of “one-chance” operators, Disu revealed that the Nigeria Police Force recovered not less than 21 operational vehicles used by the criminals, last year.
He emphasized that most of the recovered vehicles were tinted, making it difficult for “one-chance” victims to seek help; vowing the Force would continue with the intelligence-driven patrols and strategies that worked in 2024.
Responding to inquiries about the last bomb blast in Bwari, the Commissioner said that investigation of the incident was 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.
He reassured FCT residents that the Police was determined to combating crimes and ensuring safety and well-being of the people.
