by Ola Williams Abuja-
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), in collaboration with security agencies, has recovered vandalized public infrastructure worth over N1 billion following recent raids on pantaker markets across Abuja.
Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Felix Obuah, disclosed this during a meeting with officials of pantaker market operators on Friday.
Obuah recalled that in January, the FCT Security Committee, chaired by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, ordered a two-week suspension of all pantaker market operations to curb the growing menace of vandalism.
“Public items worth more than N1 billion were recovered during the raid,” Obuah revealed. “The security agencies made a lot of disturbing discoveries, which have necessitated further actions.
“To tackle the issue, the FCTA and security agencies will now commence a comprehensive profiling of pantaker markets and their operators. “Every pantaker operator must now be registered and profiled,” Obuah stated. “This will help us separate the genuine traders from those involved in criminal activities and determine who is doing what, how, and where.”
He emphasized that proper documentation would enable effective monitoring and regulation of pantaker activities, involving security agencies, Abuja Market Management Ltd, and the AMMC.
Obuah further disclosed that pantaker operators would now be required to maintain records of their buyers and suppliers.”We want to know who supplies you what and who you are selling to,” he said. “Having such a register will enhance security tracking and help prevent criminal activities.”
He urged operators to report any suspicious items brought to them for sale. “Anyone found with stolen or vandalized items will be arrested and prosecuted,” he warned.
Director, Security Services Department, FCTA, Adamu Gwary, affirmed that only registered pantaker operators would be allowed to reopen their businesses after the suspension.
In addition, FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, announced that the profiling exercise would begin on February 1st.
“It is a disgrace that some residents are vandalizing public facilities meant for their use,” Disu lamented. “We will not rest until we put a stop to this menace. “Speaking on behalf of pantaker operators, National Chairman, Alhaji Abbas Bello, pledged full support for the exercise.
“We are aware that there are criminal elements hiding among us,” Bello admitted. “This exercise will help to eliminate the bad eggs and protect the legitimate business operators.
“With the FCTA and security agencies tightening regulations, the future of pantaker markets in Abuja now depends on adherence to the new rules.
