Scrap Dealers Decry Crime Among Members

The National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) has condemned criminal elements who engage in  vandalism of public and private facilities under the guise of scrap business.

President of the association, Engr. Ogbu Luke Uchechukwu, said at a press briefing yesterday to usher in its new National Executive Committee in Abuja that vandals were giving his members a very negative image.

He said over the years, members of the public had come to regard the scrap dealers as thieves and robbers due to the activities of some criminally-minded elements who parade themselves as members.

“These accusations are in some cases not without basis or foundation, we have done a study and realised that some of our members are using the business of scrap to engage in crime contrary to the belief and objectives of our founding fathers.

“On the 7th October 2024, this union launched the Operation Say NO to vandals, that programme was the commencement of a vigorous fight against criminals who are masquerading as scrap dealers.

Through this launch, the union has arrested several criminals across the country and handed them over to security agents for prosecution,” he queried.

He said the association had localised the launch of “Say No to Vandals” in several states, adding that they were all critical stakeholders in the fight to preserve Nigeria’s national infrastructure. He reiterated that NASWDEN would not fold its arms and watch a few individuals destroy critical infrastructure for selfish gains.