The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA), Prince Akpan Ikim, has issued a strong warning to illegal scrap dealers and scavengers involved in vandalism and other criminal activities across the state.
He declared that the state government would no longer tolerate unlawful activities disguised as scrap business and vowed to enforce relevant provisions of the law against offenders.
Speaking during an enforcement operation carried out by the agency, Prince Ikim said the implementation of the Waste Metal Scrap Law, 2026, is aimed at protecting the environment, regulating scrap operations, and preventing criminal elements from infiltrating the sector.
Key Highlights:
According to him, all scrap dealers and dump site operators, operating in the state must register with the government or risk closure and prosecution.
“If you want to do scrap business, you must register. Many people now hide under scrap trading to perpetrate nefarious activities.
“We must regulate dump site operators, and if they fail to comply, we will shut them down,” he said.
The AKSEPWMA chairman condemned the growing incidents of vandalism of public infrastructure and indiscriminate waste disposal allegedly linked to some scavengers and scrap operators.
Read Also:
- RAAMP delivers 202km of rural roads in Akwa Ibom, boosting agriculture, economic growth
- Akwa Ibom intensifies Blue Economy drive as new ferries near completion
- Ex-minister urges ADC members in Akwa Ibom to resist defecting to NDC
“Some people vandalize government facilities in the name of scrap business and encourage indiscriminate dumping of refuse.
We have uncovered several criminal activities connected to some dump sites,” he added.
Prince Ikim reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Umo Eno and security agencies to maintaining law and order throughout the state.
“The commissioner of police has zero tolerance for criminality, and the governor wants Akwa Ibom people to sleep with their eyes closed. We will fish out every defaulter,” he warned.
He disclosed that some first-time offenders arrested during the operation were released after profiling and signing undertakings, but warned that repeat offenders would face immediate arrest and prosecution.
Also speaking during the exercise, CSP Okwuzulike Vincent of the Itam Police Station, revealed that investigations have shown that some criminal suspects now use scrap business and dump sites as cover for illegal activities.
He cited cases where suspects residing around dump sites pretended to be mentally unstable while concealing ammunition and other suspicious items in makeshift shelters.
The police officer commended AKSEPWMA for taking proactive steps to sanitize the sector and pledged continued collaboration between the police and the agency to safeguard public safety and the environment.
Officials present during the enforcement operation included the Head of the Environmental Health Department, Mr. Effiong John, and IPO Corporal Hossana Akpo.
