By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
Again, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration’s Operation Sweep team cleared and monitored Abuja Pantaker markets where suspected stolen goods are traded to recover vandalized critical infrastructure and national assets.
The joint task force, created by Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has begun round-the clock monitoring of Panteka markets during the festive season to ensure peace and safety across the territory, as they combed such markets at the popular Jabi Motor Park and Apo Mechanic.
The Director of Security Services, FCTA, Adamu Gwary, in a brief with newsmen at the
International Scrap Market Apo, and Jabi Pantaker Market yesterday said that the team was working on reports of repeated vandalism of newly installed solar streetlights and a surge in theft of critical infrastructure, including manhole covers.
Gwary, represented by the Secretary, Command and Control, Dr. Peter Olumuji,
said the enforcement was intended to strengthen monitoring of Pantaker markets, which are often used as outlets for stolen items.
He said that the enforcement was designed to showcase the work and sensitize people about the task force.
He said, “The reason we went out today with the media is to showcase the work of Operation Sweep, particularly the Joint Task Force established by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
“This team has been working around the clock throughout the year, especially during the peak season, and as a result, there has been relative peace across the FCT.”
“We all recall that sometime last year, there was a spike in the vandalism of critical infrastructure and national assets, especially manhole covers and similar facilities.
“The FCT Administration, through Operation Sweep, was able to effectively curb that menace. Additionally, the Honorable Minister has continued the installation of solar streetlights across the territory.”
“ Unfortunately, we have received reports that some unscrupulous individuals have been removing batteries from these solar streetlights. We cannot allow this to continue. That is why we have intensified monitoring in Pantaker markets,” he said.
The team recovered a vehicle being dismantled for sale .
Olumuji explained that the task force verified the sale with the owner, confirming it had been legally sold to the pantaker dealers.
“This is just one of many achievements recorded across the territory. Let it be clearly stated that there is no hiding place for criminal elements within the Federal Capital Territory,” he added.
He also revealed that Operation Sweep had already intercepted stolen goods before Tuesday’s outing.
“Even before today, a few days ago within my jurisdiction, Operation Sweep personnel, while on active surveillance patrol, intercepted a vehicle conveying armored cables suspected to have been stolen.
“ During an attempt to escape, the suspects ran into a ditch and fled. However, the vehicle and the stolen items were successfully recovered. Similarly, during visits to some Pantaker markets, we recovered suspected stolen items.”
“ The shop owners have been invited, and the police will investigate to establish whether the items are indeed stolen. If they are confirmed to be stolen, the law will take its full course, and those responsible will be brought to justice,” Olumuji said.
According to him, the operations are not solely focused on arrests but also on sensitizing market operators about their responsibilities.
“It is important to note that our visit is not solely about making arrests. It is also to sensitise Pantaker operators not to accept stolen items in their markets. We have clearly informed them that if stolen items are found in any Pantaker market, the leadership, and shop owners will be held accountable,” he said.
Representing the Apo pantaker market leadership, Vice Chairman Hassan Mohammed described the visit as significant and welcomed the FCTA’s efforts.
“This visit is important, and we sincerely appreciate the effort of the authorities. We have always collaborated with security agencies, and we operate a strong task force. Before anyone enters this market with any item, they must brief our task force at the gate. We verify receipts and agreements, which we then keep in our office.
“We also enlighten our members that before buying any vehicle, they must contact the owner of the vehicle. Once you speak with the original owner and receive confirmation, you are assured that the sale is authorized,” he said.
Hassan added that the market has its independent intelligence unit to prevent illegal trading.
“As you can observe at the market gate, we have clearly displayed prohibited items. We do not tolerate government property in this market.
Moreover, we have security personnel and an internal intelligence unit that works independently of the task force.
” They monitor items being brought into the market. Whenever you come to offload something, they are by your side, then they will watch what you carry to the market. So we don’t have any problem in this market, and we are 100% in collaboration with security agents,” he said.
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