The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has shut down all Panteka markets in Abuja for two weeks due to the menace of scavengers.

Panteka markets are where used items are sold in Abuja and has also become the destination for items gotten through the vandalization of public infrastructure.

Recently, an operation by the police in FCT led to the arrest of 50 suspects and the recovery of 25 manhole covers, three vehicles, vandalised solar street lights, galvanized rods used in the construction of flyovers, and tools used in vandalizing government infrastructure.

According to the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, the operation was carried out at various Panteka hotspots in Kabusa, Garki, Mabushi and Wuse.

Addressing newsmen on Thursday, CP Disu announced a shut down of Panteka markets to enable the police profile all the workers.

He told newsmen, "All Panteka markets in the FCT have been shut for two weeks for them to come forward for us to profile them. We want to know those operating in all the Pantekas.

"Scavenging has been banned in the FCT. The only place you can find them is out of town and they must be on the dumpsite, which is the only place they can operate.

"We don't want them on any street, we don't want them moving around the town. If they are seen, call us today and they will be arrested.

"We enjoin members of the public to continue to give us wonderful information."

The police enforced the shutting down of the markets following a directive by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, against vandalization.