Police in the Federal Capital Territory have frowned at the constant harassment of FCT residents by revenue collectors, reportedly engaged by Abuja Municipal Area Council.
FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, decried the illegal levies imposed on residents and motorists, adding that the command has finalised plans to address the issue decisively.
CP Disu who spoke with journalists immediately after the FCT Security Council meeting held on Friday, urged residents and the motoring public to report to the police anyone who harasses them on the road in the guise of revenue collection.
He said, “On the activities of ‘AMAC Boys’ levying innocent residents of the Federal Capital Territory, yes, we have gotten that report and as I speak with you, we are planning operations and ensuring that this becomes a thing of the past.
“We have our numbers in the public domain. Anybody who is harassed anywhere in town, quickly call those numbers for the police to respond to you.”
On the ongoing profiling of scrap market operators, the police commissioner said alot of success has been recorded and that the team was at the stage of profiling the ‘pantaker’ operators.
He also highlighted recent successful operations targeting infrastructure theft, including the recovery of manhole covers and electrical cables stressing that the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, has expressed satisfaction with the positive results of these operations.
“The operation has been successful and the Minister was very happy with the outcome. We briefed him that we have gotten to the stage of profiling those that will be taking part in the recognized Panteka.”
He said the council also acknowledged concerns regarding the relatively light sentences given to convicted vandals who return to criminal activities upon their release and expressed the desire to open up discussions with judicial authorities to share observations and explore areas of improvement.
The police commissioner also stressed the commitment of FCT Security Committee to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and assured that the security agencies will continue to work diligently to address any emerging threats in the FCT.
The Security Council, meeting which was chaired by the Minister of the FCT, had in attendance the FCT Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, Chief of Staff to the Minister, Chidi Amadi, FCTA Head of Service, Grace Adayilo, the Director, FCTA Security Services Department, Adamu Gwary, as well as heads of security agencies in the FCT.
