Okpebholo Pledges Support for NSCDC’s Fight Against Vandalism, Scrap Theft in Edo
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) of his administration’s full backing in its ongoing efforts to combat vandalism and regulate scrap and scavenging activities across the State.
The Governor gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received the new Edo State NSCDC Commandant, Akintayo Saidi Ayinla, on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Benin City.
Governor Okpebholo expressed his condolences to the Corps over the recent passing of the former Commandant, Gbenga Agun Joseph, describing his death as a great loss.
“Let me welcome you to Government House and, first of all, condole with you once again on the passing of our friend and brother, your predecessor. I also welcome you back to Edo. From what I have gathered, you are not new to the State, so I can say you are a son of the soil,” the Governor said.
He condemned the rising cases of theft and vandalism attributed to some scavengers and scrap dealers, stressing that such criminal activities will no longer be tolerated.
“The way they go about stealing irons, removing and destroying property belonging to people is not acceptable. I know that with your zeal and understanding of the State’s terrain, you will take decisive steps to end this menace,” Okpebholo said.
The Governor also disclosed plans to send a bill to the Edo State House of Assembly to regulate scavenging and scrap dealing operations.
“We are preparing a regulatory bill for the House of Assembly. Anyone in this business must know their boundaries. Once they cross the line, they are working against the Government. This law will ensure sanity and accountability in their operations,” he explained.
Earlier, Commandant Akintayo Ayinla commended the Governor for his administration’s continuous support to security agencies through the provision of vehicles, financial assistance, and other logistics.
Ayinla, who assumed office on October 17, 2025, highlighted the increasing rate of vandalism linked to the scrap industry, including the theft of electric cables, manhole covers, and streetlight poles.
“While the scrap and scavenging industry contributes to economic activity, it has unfortunately been associated with rising cases of vandalism and theft. Without proper regulation, this could escalate into more serious crimes such as vehicle theft and destruction of government infrastructure,” he warned.
The Commandant revealed that the NSCDC had commenced a census of scrap markets and scavenging points across Edo State to establish an effective monitoring and control framework.
He also appealed to the Government to adopt measures such as designating specific areas for scrap trading, regulating operating hours, enforcing registration and licensing, and restricting the handling of critical infrastructure materials.
