Vandalism: NSCDC seeks regulation of ‘pantaker markets’

The Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), FCT Command, Dr Olusola Odumosu, has called for the regulation of Pantaker (second-hand) markets in the territory.

He made the call while addressing personnel of the corps on Monday at the NSCDC FCT Command Headquarters.

Pantaker is an open market where scrap and used items of any type are sold or exchanged for monetary purposes.

Odumosu said the FCT administration needed to regulate ‘pantaker markets’ in the territory as intelligence gathered revealed that most vandalised items end up in the markets for sale.

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“With the proliferation of ‘pantaker markets’ all over the city, and the suburbs, criminals have ready markets to sell vandalised metals, iron, aluminium, armoured cables, scraps and other stolen items which has 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.

Also, he said proper regulation would help to curb the excesses of criminally minded dealers who receive vandalised public facilities and items from criminals.

 Meanwhile, NSCDC said it has arrested three suspects at an illegal oil refinery site in Rivers State.

In a statement on Monday in Abuja, Babawale Afolabi, the corps spokesperson, said the illegal bunkering activities site was located at Nembe/Odagwa Creek in Etche LGA of the state.

He explained that a large dug-out reservoir constructed and padded with tarpaulin which could contain 100,000 litres of illegally refined crude oil was uncovered at the site.

He also said that the alleged suspects were currently assisting with necessary information and would be charged in court after thorough investigation.