By Sunny Onyekwere
December 30, 2025
Some scrap markets in the Federal Capital Territory suspected of being conduits for stolen goods, are experiencing tighter surveillance, as the FCT Administration ramps up enforcement across various pantaker markets in the territory.
The move comes after reports of repeated vandalism of newly installed solar streetlights, a surge in theft of critical infrastructure, including manhole covers.
The crackdown is being carried out by the Operation Sweep Joint Task Force, set up by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to tackle security and public asset theft.
Speaking to reporters after a visit to the International Scrap Market Apo, and Jabi Pantaker Market on Tuesday, the Director Security Services, FCTA, Adamu Gwary, said the enforcement was intended to strengthen monitoring of pantaker markets, which are often used as outlets for stolen items.
Gwary who was represented by the Secretary, Command and Control, Dr. Peter Olumuji, said the enforcement was designed to showcase the achievements of the task force.
He said, “The reason we went out today with the media is to showcase the work of Operation Sweep, particularly the Joint Task Force established by the Honorable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
This team has been working around the clock throughout the year, especially during the peak season, as a result, there has been relative peace across the FCT.
“We recall that sometime last year, there was a spike in the vandalism of critical infrastructure and national assets, especially manhole covers, similar facilities.
The FCT Administration, through Operation Sweep, was able to effectively curb that menace. Additionally, the Honourable Minister has continued the installation of solar streetlights across the territory.
Unfortunately, we have received reports that some unscrupulous individuals have been removing batteries from these solar streetlights. We cannot allow this to continue. That is why we have intensified monitoring in Pantaka markets”, he said.
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 just one of many achievements recorded across the territory. Let it be clearly stated that there is no hiding place for criminal elements within the Federal Capital Territory,” he added.
He also revealed that Operation Sweep has already intercepted stolen goods, prior to Tuesday’s outing.
A few days ago within my jurisdiction, Operation Sweep personnel, while on active surveillance patrol, intercepted a vehicle conveying armoured cables suspected to have been stolen.
During an attempt to escape, the suspects ran into a ditch, fled. However, the vehicle and the stolen items were successfully recovered. Similarly, during visits to some Pantaka markets, we recovered suspected stolen items.
The shop owners have been invited, and the police will investigate to establish whether the items are indeed stolen. If they are confirmed to be stolen, the law will take its full course, and those responsible will be brought to justice”, Olumuji said.
He stressed that the operations are not solely focused on arrests, but also on sensitizing market operators about their responsibilities.
“It is important to note that our visit is not solely about making arrests. It is also to sensitize Pantaker operators not to accept stolen items in their markets. We have clearly informed them that if stolen items are found in any Pantaka market, the leadership and shop owners will be held accountable,” he said.
Representing the Apo pantaker market leadership, Vice Chairman Hassan Mohammed described the visit as significant, welcomed the FCTA’s efforts.
This visit is very important, and we sincerely appreciate the effort of the authorities. We have always collaborated with security agencies, and we operate a strong task force. Before anyone enters this market with any item, they must brief our task force at the gate. We verify receipts and agreements, which we then keep in our office.
“We also enlighten our members that before buying any vehicle, they must contact the owner. Once you speak with the original owner, receive confirmation, you are assured that the sale is authorized,” he said.
Hassan added that the market has its own independent intelligence unit to prevent illegal trading.
As you can observe at the market gate, we have clearly displayed prohibited items. We do not tolerate government property in this market. In addition, we have security personnel, an internal intelligence unit that works independently from the task force.
They monitor items being brought into the market. Whenever you come to offload, they are there to watch what you carry to the market. So we don’t have any problem in this market and we are 100% in collaboration with security agents,” he said.
