The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has intensified enforcement across pantaker markets following a surge in thefts of solar streetlights and other public infrastructure in the nation’s capital.
Adamu Gwary, Director of Security Services, FCTA, while addressing journalists after visits to the International Scrap Market Apo and Jabi Pantaker Market on Tuesday in Abuja, said the enforcement aims to strengthen monitoring of pantaker markets, which are often used as outlets for stolen items.
Gwary, represented by Peter Olumuji, Secretary, Command and Control, said markets suspected of being conduits for stolen goods are now under closer surveillance as the FCT Administration increases enforcement.
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The move follows reports of repeated vandalism of newly installed solar streetlights and theft of critical infrastructure, including manhole covers.
The crackdown is being carried out by the Operation Sweep Joint Task Force, established by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to tackle security and public asset theft.
Gwary said the enforcement also highlights the achievements of the task force.
“The purpose of today’s visit with the media is to show the work of Operation Sweep, particularly the Joint Task Force. This team has been working throughout the year, and as a result, there has been relative peace across the FCT,” he said.
He added, “Last year, there was a spike in vandalism of critical infrastructure, especially manhole covers. The FCT Administration, through Operation Sweep, was able to curb that. The Honourable Minister has continued installing solar streetlights, but we received reports of batteries being removed from them. That is why monitoring in pantaker markets has been intensified.”
During the visit, a vehicle being dismantled for sale was discovered. Olumuji explained that the task force verified the sale with the owner, confirming it had been legally sold to the pantaker dealers.
“This is one of many actions recorded across the territory. There is no hiding place for criminal elements within the FCT,” he said.
He added that Operation Sweep had intercepted stolen goods before Tuesday’s visit. “A few days ago, personnel on patrol intercepted a vehicle carrying armored cables suspected to have been stolen.
“The suspects fled, but the vehicle and items were recovered. During visits to pantaker markets, suspected stolen items were also recovered. Shop owners have been invited for investigation. If the items are confirmed stolen, those responsible will face the law,” Olumuji said.
He stressed that operations are not solely focused on arrests but also on educating market operators. “We are sensitizing pantaker operators not to accept stolen items. Market leadership and shop owners will be held accountable if stolen items are found in their markets,” he said.
Hassan Mohammed, Vice Chairman of Apo Pantaker Market, welcomed the FCTA’s visit.
“This visit is important. We collaborate with security agencies and operate a task force. Before anyone brings an item into the market, they must notify our task force. We verify receipts and agreements and keep records in our office. Members are advised to contact original owners before buying vehicles,” he said.
Hassan added that the market has an independent intelligence unit to prevent illegal trading. “We have clearly displayed prohibited items at the market gate. Government property is not tolerated.
“Security personnel and the internal unit monitor all items entering the market. We work closely with security agencies,” he said.
