The Scrap Dealers Association of Nigeria SDAON, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has pledged to collaborate with the police and other security agencies to stop the buying and selling of vandalized and stolen items in the state.
This pledge came on the heels of the vow by the State Police Command to deal decisively with those engaged in the business of encouraging the vandalization of public infrastructural facilities and private properties by way of serving as a ready market.
A statement issued by the State Police Spokesperson, Timfon John, DSP, January 23,2025, informed that the Commissioner of Police, CP, Baba Mohammed Azare, has assured that those engaged in lawful business transactions will have nothing to fear about.
According to the statement, the CP who spoke, at an interactive session with representatives of the Scrap Dealers, expressed concern over the high level of vandalization of transformers, electrical cables and other critical infrastructural facilities which, he noted, are in turn purchased by Scrap Dealers.
He warned that the police will not tolerate such acts, and stressed that anyone found engaging in vandalism, or the sale of stolen items, would be arrested and prosecuted.
The meeting which was held at the State Police Headquarters in Uyo, according to the Police spokesman, is aimed at finding a lasting solution to the disturbing trend of vandalism, theft and sale of stolen items by scrap dealers in the State.
The Commissioner of Police reiterated the commitment of Governor Umo Eno towards tackling the growing criminal activities of some unscrupulous characters who hide under the guise of scrap dealers and scavengers to perpetrate crime.
CP Azare warned that the Command is all out to arrest, prosecute and jail those found to be aiding, and abating vandalism, theft and sale of stolen public infrastructural facilities, as well as those of private residents.
“Some unscrupulous individuals vandalize public infrastructure such as transformers, electrical cables and sell them to scrap dealers. The Police would not tolerate such acts. Anyone found engaging in vandalism or the sale of stolen items would be arrested and prosecuted.
“Where there is no buyer, there will be no theft. So you have to be vigilant when purchasing items and ensure that you obtain proper receipts, as well as reporting suspicious persons attempting to sell stolen or vandalized properties to the Police nearest to you.
“The police are ever ready to arrestand prosecute those involved in such criminal activities. On this note, I want assure you that no police personnel would be allowed to engage in unlawful arrests and or extortion of scrap dealers who conduct their business lawfully”, CP Azare stated.
While responding, the Chairman of the Scrap Dealers Association, Comrade Ejimadu, commended the CP for the proactive engagement.
Represented at the meeting by the body’s Legal Adviser, Barr. Chidi Anyanwu, the Chairman assured that the Association would begin the sensitization of its members on the need to desist from buying and selling of vandalized and stolen items.
He also pledged the collaboration of the Association’s Leadership in the wider plan to root out vandalism and theft of public infrastructural facilities.
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