By Jelili Gbadamosi
Residents of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, have urged authorities to intensify efforts to regulate the activities of scavengers, popularly known as ‘Baban bola’, amid growing concerns over alleged links between some of them and criminal activities.
The residents made the call following an increase in the number of scavengers moving around residential communities, particularly during odd hours, raising concerns about the safety of lives and property.
Communities such as Nyanya, Karu, Jikwoyi, Mararaba and Masaka have reportedly witnessed a growing presence of scavengers searching for recyclable materials.
While some residents alleged that certain scavengers use the trade as a cover to commit crimes, others called for improved waste management and proper regulation rather than a blanket criminalisation of the profession.
A resident identified as Mama Amina alleged that scavengers were behind two burglary incidents in Mararaba, claiming that valuables were stolen from her neighbour’s home.
“You see these Baban bola (scavengers); they are professional criminals. Forget about their pitiable look. At night, they broke into my neighbour’s house and went away with expensive valuables,” she said.
However, some scavengers have denied that the profession is inherently linked to crime, insisting that many engage in it to survive.
Ibrahim Dantata, a scavenger, said unemployment and lack of formal education pushed him into the trade, which he relies on to support his family.
“There is no job. I have no education and I have no skills. Not every scavenger is a thief,” Dantata said.
Another scavenger, Adamu, who operates around Nyanya and Karu, said members of the group punish anyone caught stealing or engaging in criminal activities.
Meanwhile, security expert and Managing Partner at Nextier, Ndu Nwokolo, said unregulated scavenging could expose residents to risks including pilfering, burglary, illegal surveillance, knife attacks and hooliganism.
Nwokolo urged the FCT Administration to enforce regulations on scavenging and indiscriminate waste disposal while providing alternative livelihood opportunities for those dependent on the trade.
He also called for an effective waste management system, saying proper refuse collection would help reduce dependence on informal scavengers and make it easier for authorities to monitor their activities.
