Niger Police warn scrap dealers and riders over stolen items

Niger Police warn scrap dealers and motorcycle riders against aiding vandalism and transporting stolen items, as state plans tighter regulation.

Niger Police warn scrap dealers and riders to steer clear of stolen goods and avoid becoming accomplices to vandalism.

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The Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, issued the warning on Thursday during a crucial meeting with the leadership of the Scrap Dealers Association and the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN).

Held at the Police Command Headquarters in Minna, the meeting was convened to address the rising cases of vandalism and the role some scrap dealers and motorcycle riders reportedly play in transporting stolen infrastructure materials, including power cables and metals.

“We are not against your business,” said Elleman, “but you must do it responsibly. Anyone caught with stolen items will face the consequences.”

The Commissioner urged the groups to ensure all transactions are legitimate and to educate their members on the legal implications of buying or transporting questionable goods.

He emphasised that ignorance would not be accepted as an excuse.

Highlighting the use of motorcycles and tricycles in transporting stolen public property, Elleman called on ACOMORAN leaders to take the lead in sensitising their members.

“Most of these stolen items are moved with tricycles and motorcycles. If you are found with items you can’t explain, you’ll be treated as an accomplice,” he warned.

Elleman also revealed that the Niger State Government, through the House of Assembly, is working on a legal framework to formally regulate the scrap trade.

This law will require dealers to provide verifiable identification, including residential addresses, BVNs, and NINs.

Responding to the warning, representatives from both associations pledged full cooperation with the police and state authorities.

The Scrap Dealers Association noted they had already introduced reforms, including age restrictions, reflective jackets for identification, and stricter member registration.

ACOMORAN leadership acknowledged the joint efforts with security agencies in reducing crime and promised continued collaboration to safeguard public property.

The meeting follows Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s directive requiring all scrap and waste dealers in the state’s 25 LGAs to register formally and comply with new safety and identification regulations.

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With rising concerns about vandalism, the commitment by both groups and the police represents a significant step in curbing the illegal trade of stolen infrastructure.