In a drastic move to protect public infrastructure, the Cross River State Government has suspended all scrap-related activities across the state for an initial period of six months, citing a direct link between scrap dealers and widespread theft and destruction of public and private property.
The announcement, contained in a press release issued on Monday, February 23, 2026, and signed by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ededem Charles Ani, Esq., said the governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Bassey Otu, acted after security reports established that scrap scavengers and their agents were deliberately targeting critical assets such as public utilities, road installations, and community facilities.
“Investigations and security reports have established a direct nexus between these destructive acts and the activities of scrap dealers, scavengers, and their agents operating within the State,” the statement read.
As an immediate interim measure, the governor has ordered a complete halt to every form of scrap dealing — including trading, scavenging, transportation, and any related operations — whether conducted within the state, into the state, or out of the state.
The suspension takes effect immediately and will last for six months, during which the government will undertake a comprehensive review of all laws and regulatory frameworks governing the scrap business.
Any person, group, or company found violating the ban “shall be dealt with in accordance with the law and shall face the full force of legal sanctions,” the release warned. All security agencies have been directed to enforce the directive strictly and without exception.
The government expressed grave concern over the “alarming rise in vandalism, theft, and the destruction of public infrastructure and private property,” which it said had caused service disruptions, economic losses, and increased threats to public safety.
The statement assured residents that the measures were necessary “to prevent further sabotage of critical assets and to maintain public confidence.”
It appealed for the full cooperation of residents, stakeholders, and lawful business operators to ensure the success of the clampdown.
The ban is the latest in a series of security measures by the Otu administration to curb criminal activities targeting state assets. Residents in affected communities have repeatedly complained about the theft of electric cables, manhole covers, road signs, and other metallic infrastructure, often sold to scrap dealers.
No exemptions have been announced for licensed operators, meaning even formal scrap businesses must cease operations during the six-month period.
