The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, Adamu Elleman, has cautioned scrap dealers and members of the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria in the state against buying or transporting stolen and vandalised items.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP W. A. Abiodun on Friday, Elleman gave the warning on Thursday during a meeting with the leadership of the two groups at the Police Command Headquarters, Dutsen-Kura, Minna.
The Commissioner urged scrap dealers to be responsible in their transactions and ensure that all items were sourced legitimately.
The police boss also engaged ACOMORAN leaders, noting that motorcycles and tricycles were often used to convey stolen infrastructure materials, including power cables, metals and public property. He advised them to sensitise their members to avoid aiding criminals.
“Most of these stolen items are moved with tricycles and motorcycles. We expect you as leaders to educate your members. Let them know that ignorance will not be an excuse if they are arrested. If you are found with items you cannot account for, you will be treated as an accomplice,” the statement quoted Elleman as saying.
He further disclosed that the Niger State Government, through the House of Assembly, was working on a legal framework to regulate scrap business activities in the state.
The ACOMORAN representatives also assured the police of cooperation. Their chairman said, “The truth is that the issues of thuggery and crime in Minna have reduced significantly, and this is because of our joint efforts with the security agencies. We will continue to work with you and also warn our members against carrying stolen or suspicious goods.”
The statement noted that the meeting ended with both groups promising greater collaboration with security agencies to curb vandalism and safeguard public property.
The meeting comes shortly after Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago directed all scrap and waste dealers in Niger’s 25 local government areas to register with the state government as part of efforts to sanitise the trade and curb vandalism. https://punchng.com/niger-gov-orders-scrap-dealers-to-register-bars-under-18s/
The governor, through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, had explained that dealers must provide their residential and business addresses, Bank Verification Numbers, and National Identification Numbers before they are licensed to operate.
He also prohibited persons under 18 years from engaging in the scrap trade, warning that anyone caught with public or private property would face stiff penalties.
The Scrap and Waste Dealers Association has since introduced rules such as member screening, guarantors, and visible identification to align with the state’s crackdown on vandalism.
About the Author
