Residents in several suburbs of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) including Mararaba, Nyanya, Karu, Lugbe, and Kubwa have expressed growing anxiety over the increasing number of scavengers, locally known as ‘Baba Boola,’ operating in their neighborhoods. These individuals, who search for recyclable materials such as plastic and scrap metal, have been linked by residents to criminal activities including robbery, burglary, and vandalism.
Community members have appealed to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to intensify enforcement efforts to curb scavenging, which often occurs at odd hours and poses significant security risks. They also called for improved waste management systems to reduce the reliance on scavenging as a means of livelihood.
The presence of scavengers has been associated with rising insecurity in the FCT, with reports of break-ins and thefts attributed to some individuals within this group. Residents lament that the lack of organized domestic waste disposal has empowered these scavengers, allowing their numbers and influence to grow unchecked.
In response, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has defended actions taken against scavengers and beggars, citing their presence in unauthorized areas, public urination and defecation, and potential links to criminal networks. A legal case is currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where scavengers and beggars are suing the Minister and the Inspector-General of Police for alleged rights violations, seeking N500 million in damages. The Minister has urged the court to dismiss the suit, emphasizing the security threats posed by these groups.
Some scavengers interviewed maintain that their activities are a means of survival in the face of unemployment and lack of education, asserting that not all are involved in criminal acts. They also claim internal discipline within their ranks to deter theft and other crimes.
The situation highlights the complex challenge of balancing security concerns, the rights of vulnerable populations, and the need for effective urban waste management in Abuja’s rapidly expanding suburbs.
