The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Olusola Odumosu, has called for the regulation of ‘pantaker’ (second-hand goods) markets in Abuja.
During the weekly muster parade at the NSCDC FCT Command Headquarters, Odumosu called on the FCT administration to regulate the markets as intelligence reports have revealed that most items stolen after vandalism are sold there.
“With the proliferation of pantaker markets all over the city, and the suburbs, criminals have ready markets to sell vandalized metals, iron, aluminium, armoured cables, scraps and other stolen items which had increased the spate of vandalism of public properties in the FCT.
“There is a need to address pressing concerns related to the sale and purchase of second hand goods in pantaker markets which currently lacks comprehensive and diligent oversight.
“Regulation, monitoring and enforcement of compliance with government policy will help curb to a reasonable extent the cases of vandalism of infrastructure in the territory,” he said.
According to Odumosu, proper regulation will not only help curb the excesses of criminally-minded dealers who receive items from vandals of public facilities but will also foster economic stability by ensuring that only legitimate activities and authentic products are bought or sold in these markets.
“Unregulated markets for used items pose inherent risks to consumers and undermine the integrity of commercial operations,” he said. “It is imperative that we establish clear rules and guidelines to protect the properties of individuals and the government. Proper regulation has the potential to enhance marketplace accountability and will help security agencies identify and apprehend criminals who engage in acts of vandalism and theft.”
Odumosu stated that the recent completion of projects and successful commissioning of various infrastructure by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, calls for improved service and a renewal of strategy against the destruction of government property.
He urged his officers and personnel to redouble their efforts in protecting critical infrastructure in the territory.
Odumosu further said that the Command’s Intelligence Department has been tasked to increase its surveillance on the activities of pantaker markets, with a view to arresting vandals and violators of market standards.
He warned that anyone caught attempting to sell vandalised or stolen items in these markets would face the full wrath of the law, serving as a deterrent to others.
“This infrastructure provided is meant for the good of all, therefore, every member of the public has a duty to protect them from vandals,” he reiterated.
Odumosu congratulated the FCT Minister for the laudable projects commissioned in the FCT.
“I want to congratulate the Minister for his doggedness and commitment to infrastructural growth.
“He has indeed lived up to his reputation of being Mr Project, as he has given FCT a new look,” he said.
FCT: NSCDC Calls For Regulation Of ‘Pantaker’ Markets To Protect Wike’s Projects is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
