The Kano state chapter of the National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria has set up a taskforce committee to prosecute any member caught buying or selling stolen goods.
Daily News 24 reports that Chairman of the association, Comrade Ainu Hassan Soja revealed this on Wednesday during the inauguration of patrol officers and local government leaders in Kano.
Mr Soja added that the association has mobilized 200 officers, both in uniform and mufti, to sanitize their trade and curb the activities of those involved in the theft of electrical materials and other public assets.
Mr Soja added that the association has deployed patrol officers across the 44 local government areas of Kano state to crack down on the purchasing of stolen goods.
He highlighted the positive role of scrap dealers in enhancing security and creating employment opportunities in the country.
According to him, scavengers supply 70% of the materials processed by companies, and there are currently over two million scrap dealers across Nigeria.
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Despite these contributions, he noted that members of the public often perceive them as inferior or as thieves, a stigma resulting from the actions of a few unscrupulous individuals who have infiltrated the trade.
Recognizing the damage done to their reputation, Comrade Soja explained that the association is committed to addressing the challenges and public accusations they face.
As part of these efforts, he announced a ban on scavengers purchasing mobile phones or transformer materials, warning that anyone caught would face prosecution.
During his remarks, the ALGON Chairman of the Association, Hussaini Umar Maliya, urged the newly appointed leaders and patrol officers in the local government areas to work diligently to clean up the trade.
He also called for collaboration with security agencies, including the Police, Civil Defence, DSS, and vigilante groups.
The event was attended by various security agencies and community leaders.
By Nabil Jibril
