The Police Command in Yobe has concluded a sensitization campaign and stakeholders’ engagement with scrap and waste dealers across the state on safe handling of suspected explosive devices.
The Command spokesman, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, said the engagement, which commenced on Sept. 11, was conducted at the zonal headquarters of Gashua, Damaturu and Potiskum.
He said the campaign aimed at educating stakeholders on how to identify and report suspicious objects encountered in the course of their business.
He stressed the importance of compulsory registration with National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) to help regulate the sector, curb vandalism of public and private property, prevent criminal infiltration and reduce theft.
The campaign, according to him, followed the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who expressed concern over incidents in which scrap and waste dealers unknowingly collected explosive devices, leading to loss of lives.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Ado, urged participants to apply the knowledge gained and cooperate with the Police while carrying out their business.
Ado, who was represented by the Area Commander Potiskum, ACP Reuben Lazirous, said the Command would continue to partner with stakeholders to safeguard lives and property.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the engagement involved NASWDEN members, government representatives from Local Government Areas, and zonal coordinators in the three senatorial districts of the state.
