Residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, have called on relevant authorities to take urgent action over the increasing activities of scavengers, popularly known as “Baba Boola,” in several communities. Residents say the scavengers’ presence, particularly during odd hours, has heightened concerns about security and alleged criminal activities.

Some residents alleged that scavengers have been linked to incidents of burglary, vandalism and other forms of criminal activity in parts of the FCT. They expressed concern that the movement of scavengers around residential areas could expose communities to security risks, while also calling for better waste-management systems to reduce the need for indiscriminate scavenging.

However, some scavengers rejected the blanket portrayal of their activities as criminal, saying they engage in the trade to earn a living. They maintained that not everyone involved in scavenging is a criminal and argued that unemployment and lack of alternative sources of livelihood have pushed many people into the business.

The Abuja Environmental Protection Board said it was committed to enforcing restrictions on scavenging and tackling cases involving vandalism and other offences. The agency urged residents to report scavengers involved in criminal activities to the police, while authorities have also been advised to strengthen waste collection and provide skills-acquisition or alternative livelihood opportunities for those affected by any ban.