Scavengers Are Not Criminals — Abuja Scrap Traders Association President Condemns Negative Stereotype. .

The National President of the Association of Scavengers, Scrap Traders and Recyclers in Abuja, Muntari Mohammed, has lamented the negative perception held by some Nigerians who wrongly associate scavengers with criminal activities.

Speaking on behalf of the association, Muntari described the stereotype as unfortunate and misleading, stressing that the majority of scavengers are law-abiding citizens engaged in legitimate business activities aimed at earning a living.

According to him, while a few individuals within the sector may engage in unlawful acts, it is unfair to generalize and label all scavengers as criminals. He noted that members of the association go about their daily scavenging and recycling activities peacefully and responsibly.

To further demonstrate their commitment to legality and orderliness, he disclosed that the association is duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and operates with an organized membership structure and registration process.

Muntari also revealed that in communities such as Gwagwa, Idu, and Karmo within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), there have been no reported criminal cases linked to members of the association. Despite this, he alleged that some scavengers are often harassed and even attacked by vigilante groups without justification.

He maintained that no member of the association has ever been arrested or linked to crimes such as armed banditry, kidnapping, or insurgency, emphasizing that scavengers should not be unfairly profiled.

The association’s president further stated that scavengers and recyclers have continued to support the administration of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. He added that during the recently concluded Area Council elections, the association openly supported the All Progressives Congress (APC), a position earlier communicated through an official press release.

He assured the public that members of the association would continue to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and committed to contributing positively to society, while appealing to Nigerians to see scavengers as hardworking citizens rather than criminals.