The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, Adamu Elleman, has warned scrap dealers and members of the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN) against buying or transporting stolen and vandalised items in the state.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP W. A. Abiodun, on Friday, Elleman issued the caution during a meeting with the leadership of both groups at the command headquarters in Minna.
Elleman urged scrap dealers to conduct their businesses responsibly by ensuring all items were legitimately sourced.
“We are not against your business, but you must do it responsibly. Do not patronise vandals or buy items that are obviously stolen. Anyone caught will face the consequences,” he warned.
The police boss also cautioned ACOMORAN leaders, noting that motorcycles and tricycles were frequently used to convey stolen infrastructure materials, including power cables, metals, and other public property. He urged them to sensitise 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. Ignorance will not be an excuse if they are arrested. Anyone caught with unaccounted items will be treated as an accomplice,” Elleman said.
The commissioner further disclosed that the Niger State Government, through the House of Assembly, was working on a legal framework to regulate scrap business activities.
“Very soon, there will be a law guiding your trade. You need to prepare yourselves and ensure compliance when it comes into effect,” he added.
In response, leaders of the Scrap Dealers Association commended the police for the engagement, noting that they had already introduced stricter rules such as banning persons under 18 from the trade and mandating reflective jackets for their agents.
Similarly, ACOMORAN representatives pledged cooperation, stressing that joint efforts with security agencies had already reduced crime and thuggery in Minna.
“The truth is that crime in Minna has reduced significantly because of our collaboration with security agencies. We will continue to work with you and warn our members against transporting stolen goods,” the association’s chairman said.
The meeting followed Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s recent directive requiring all scrap and waste dealers across Niger’s 25 local government areas to register with the state government.
According to his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, dealers must submit their residential and business addresses, Bank Verification Numbers, and National Identification Numbers before they are licensed to operate.
The governor also barred persons under 18 from the scrap trade and warned that anyone caught with public or private property would face severe penalties.
In compliance, the Scrap and Waste Dealers Association has begun implementing new rules, including member screening, guarantors, and visible identification to align with government efforts to curb vandalism and safeguard public property.