The State Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command, Maku Olatunde has issued a stern warning to iron scavengers, also known as “ndi akpakara” or “iron kwandem”, to cease destroying public and private properties in the state or face severe legal consequences.

Comdt Maku Olatunde, stated this through Superintendent of Corps, Okadigbo Edwin, Head of Media and Tactical Ops at the State Command Headquarters Awka on Wednesday March 4, 2025 while parading a suspect arrested by the command in collaboration with operatives of AVG Onitsha South LGA.

According to Comdt. Maku, “On March 4, 2025, at about 17:45hrs, one Zakari Yahui, male , aged 25 from Misau town, Misau Local Government Area of Bauchi State, was apprehended at Silas Street, Fegge Onitsha. He was caught destroying and breaking the walls of the gutter, pulling out the iron rods, with an intent to sell them as scrap.

“The suspect confessed to the crime admitting to vandalism of multiple metal objects and selling them in separate transactions to a scrap vendor,” he said

Meanwhile, the state commandant has ordered the Intelligence/ Investigation department to conduct further investigations, upon conclusion, the suspect would be charged to court.

The NSCDC State helmsman said the command will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those involved in destruction of public utilities, private properties and vandalism of critical national state, and local government assets are brought to justice, while their collaborators, those buying or selling vandalized materials, would not be spared.

“The Command is out to stop the activities of those who want to sabotage and destroy properties belonging to either government or individuals” he concluded.