By Tobias Ekirika, Onitsha
The Chairman of the Scrap Automobile Metal Market, Obolo Obosi, and head of the Anambra State Anti-Vandalism Taskforce, Mr Izuchukwu Ibekailo, popularly known as Osisikankwu, has disclosed that the taskforce has reduced incidents of vandalism across the state by over 90 per cent.
Ibekailo attributed the achievement to the commitment, vigilance and courage of taskforce members deployed to monitor scrap markets and check the activities of dealers involved in the purchase and sale of stolen public and private property.
Speaking with journalists in Onitsha on November 3, he said vandalism was rampant across the state before the establishment of the taskforce by the Anambra State Government, with reports of such incidents emerging almost weekly.
He, however, noted that the situation had improved significantly since the taskforce was inaugurated in mid-2026.
“Our main duty is to check incidents of vandalism being perpetrated by some scrap dealers across the state. We are here to secure Anambra State and ensure that acts of vandalism against public and private properties are properly addressed.
“The Anti-Vandalism Taskforce has a presence in all scrap markets within Anambra State, ensuring that no vandal can escape our scrutiny,” he said.
Ibekailo recalled a recent operation in which the taskforce intercepted a truck conveying stolen wires and iron poles allegedly removed from government property.
According to him, the suspects were arrested and handed over to the police for prosecution.
“These items were taken from government property and were on their way to the scrap market when our team intervened. We arrested those involved and handed them over to the police for prosecution.
“We have carried out similar operations across the state, leading to a significant reduction in the activities of criminals who previously operated under the guise of scrap dealers,” he added.
He explained that the taskforce had also intensified surveillance and routine inspections of vehicles and materials brought into scrap markets to prevent stolen vehicles and other vandalised property from being dismantled and sold.
Ibekailo said the renewed enforcement efforts had made the environment safer and calmer, with reports of vandalism becoming increasingly rare.
He assured residents that the taskforce would sustain its operations and called on the public, scrap dealers and other stakeholders to support the government’s efforts to protect public infrastructure and private property.
Tags: Anambra, Vandalism, Scrap Dealers
