The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has recovered vandalized government property worth N1 billion.

The recovery was made by the FCT Joint Task Force, led by the Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, which intensified its crackdown on scavenging and vandalism in the FCT.

MyNigeria reported that the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, a few weeks ago, announced a ban on the activities of scavengers and vandals.

The ban restricts scavengers to dumpsites outside the FCT or the risk of being arrested and prosecuted if found flouting.

The FCT also shut down all Panteka markets where used items are sold in Abuja for two weeks. This was after a police operation led to the arrest of 50 suspects and the recovery of 25 manhole covers, solar streetlights and galvanized roads used in the construction of flyovers, amongst other items gotten through vandalization.

CP Disu, while addressing newsmen, said the shutdown was to enable the police to profile those working in the markets.

The latest in the activities of vandals led to power outage in over 60 per cent of areas in Abuja, including parts of the Presidential Villa on Friday.

According to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the power outage happened because vandals stole electricity lines supplying power to the areas.