RismadarVoice Reporters
May 8, 2026
Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA) has intensified enforcement against illegal scrap dealers and scavengers across the state, warning that criminal activities disguised as scrap business will no longer be tolerated.
Chairman of the Agency, Obong Prince Ikim, gave the warning during an enforcement operation, saying the ongoing implementation of the Waste Metal Scrap Law 2026 is aimed at regulating the sector, protecting the environment, and preventing criminal infiltration.
Prince Ikim said all scrap dealers and dump site operators must register with the government or face closure and possible prosecution.
“If you want to do scrap business, you must register. Many people now hide under scrap trading to perpetrate nefarious activities. We must regulate dump site operators, and if they fail to comply, we will shut them down,” he said.
The AKSEPWMA boss expressed concern over increasing cases of vandalism of public infrastructure and indiscriminate waste disposal allegedly linked to some scavengers and scrap operators.
“Some people vandalise government facilities in the name of scrap business and encourage indiscriminate dumping of refuse. We have uncovered several criminal activities connected to some dump sites,” he added.
He said the state government, under Governor Umo Eno, alongside security agencies, remained committed to maintaining law and order.
“The Commissioner of Police has zero tolerance for criminality, and the Governor wants Akwa Ibom people to sleep with their eyes closed. We will fish out every defaulter,” Prince Ikim warned.
According to him, some first-time offenders arrested during the operation were pardoned after profiling and signing undertakings, while repeat offenders would face arrest and prosecution.
Also speaking during the operation, CSP Okwuzulike Vincent of the Itam Police Station said investigations had shown that some criminal suspects now use scrap business and dump sites as cover for illegal activities.
He alleged that certain suspects living around dump sites often pretended to be mentally unstable while hiding ammunition and other suspicious items in makeshift shelters.
The police officer commended AKSEPWMA for what he described as proactive steps to sanitise the sector and pledged continued collaboration between the police and the agency to improve public safety and environmental protection.
