Authorities in Akwa Ibom State have commenced a statewide crackdown on unregistered scrap dealers and scavengers, leading to the closure of illegal operations and the arrest of operators accused of violating environmental and public safety regulations.
The enforcement exercise, carried out by the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency, followed the implementation of the state’s Waste Metal Scrap Law 2026.
Chairman of AKSEPWMA, Obong Prince Ikim, said the operation was aimed at regulating scrap business activities, protecting the environment and preventing criminal elements from using waste collection and scrap trading as cover for illegal activities.
“If you want to do scrap business, you must register,” Mr Ikim said during the operation in Uyo.
“Many people now hide under scrap trading to perpetrate nefarious activities.”
He warned that dump site operators and scrap dealers who fail to register with the government risk closure and prosecution under the law.
According to him, investigations by the authorities revealed that some operators were allegedly involved in vandalising public infrastructure and engaging in indiscriminate waste disposal across the state.
“Some people vandalise government facilities in the name of scrap business and encourage indiscriminate dumping of refuse,” he said.
The crackdown comes amid growing concerns over vandalism of public infrastructure, environmental pollution and criminal activities linked to illegal scrap operations in several parts of the country.
Mr Ikim stated that the state government, in collaboration with security agencies, would continue enforcement efforts to ensure compliance and maintain public order.
“The Commissioner of Police has zero tolerance for criminality, and the governor wants Akwa Ibom people to sleep with their eyes closed. We will fish out every defaulter,” he added.
Police officials who participated in the operation disclosed that investigations showed some criminal suspects were using scrap yards and refuse dump sites as cover for unlawful activities.
CSP Okwuzulike Vincent of the Itam Police Station said some suspects allegedly pretended to be mentally unstable while concealing ammunition and other suspicious items within makeshift shelters around dump locations.
The police officer commended the environmental agency for what he described as proactive efforts aimed at sanitising the scrap and waste management sector.
He also pledged continued collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the environmental authorities to tackle criminal activities linked to illegal scrap operations.
Officials further disclosed that some first-time offenders arrested during the operation were released after profiling and signing undertakings, while repeat offenders would face prosecution in accordance with the law.
