Akwa Ibom Police Partner with Scrap Dealers to Combat Vandalism

In a bid to tackle rising cases of vandalism and theft in Akwa Ibom State, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, met with scrap dealers across the state on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
The meeting, held at the state headquarters in Uyo, focused on finding lasting solutions to the sale and purchase of stolen or vandalized property.
CP Azare highlighted the role of scrap dealers in addressing the menace, noting, “Where there is no buyer, there will be no theft.” He explained that some criminal elements disguise themselves as scavengers to vandalize public⁰⁰0^×] infrastructure, including transformers and electrical cables, and sell them to scrap dealers.

The Commissioner warned that the police would not tolerate such acts, emphasizing that offenders caught engaging in vandalism or buying stolen items would face prosecution.
He urged scrap dealers to ensure they obtain proper receipts for all transactions and report suspicious sellers to the nearest police station.

Reassuring the dealers, CP Azare stated, “No lawful scrap dealer will be harassed or extorted by the police,” adding that the police command would intensify efforts to apprehend and prosecute criminals involved in such activities.

In response, Barrister Chidi Anyanwu, the legal adviser to the Scrap Dealers Association of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, commended the police for their proactive measures.
He pledged that the association would sensitize its members on the need to avoid purchasing stolen goods and collaborate with the police to uphold the law.
State Secretary Elder Eno Erin Johnson also expressed gratitude to CP Azare, promising to relay the meeting’s resolutions to members who were unable to attend. He assured the police of the association’s commitment to peace and compliance with regulations.

The Commissioner of Police concluded the meeting by appreciating the cooperation of the scrap dealers and reaffirming the command’s commitment to ensuring peace, security, and lawful business practices in the state.