By Faridat Salifu
The rising cases of manhole cover theft in Abuja has reached a critical point, with criminals targeting these vital pieces of urban infrastructure for resale in the scrap metal market.
The theft of manhole covers has become a growing safety and public health concern, especially in high-traffic areas.
Recent efforts by law enforcement have intensified as part of a broader crackdown on illegal scavenging activities and the theft of public infrastructure.
Manhole covers, typically made of durable materials like cast iron, steel, or concrete, are essential to maintaining urban infrastructure.
They cover openings that provide access to underground utilities such as sewage systems, water pipes, electrical cables, and stormwater drains.
The covers are designed to bear the weight of vehicles and pedestrians, while also protecting these systems from contamination, debris, and harmful gases. More importantly, they prevent accidents, safeguarding people from falling into deep and hazardous manholes.
The Growing Threat: Theft of Manhole Covers
Theft of manhole covers is an increasingly common crime, particularly in urban centers like Abuja. Thieves often target the covers for their value in scrap metal markets. According to local reports, criminal groups and unknown persons have been actively involved in stealing manhole covers and selling them for quick profit.
The theft of these covers has become especially problematic in areas like the National Mosque, places like Jabi ,federal secretariat and lot more where manholes are frequently targeted by thieves.
Residents near areas where these thefts have occurred, such as the National Mosque area, have expressed concern about the rising number of stolen manhole covers.
Speaking to NatureNews correspondent, residents explained that while they don’t know exactly who is stealing the covers, they are often replaced with palm fruit to cover the holes temporarily. While the palm fruit might obscure the holes for a short time, it does little to mitigate the serious safety risks posed by the missing manhole covers.
Some residents have speculated that contractors, perhaps out of business or seeking new contracts, may be behind some of the thefts.
“They may be attempting to remove the manhole covers to get new repair contracts,” said one local resident, underscoring the opportunistic nature of these thefts, which often fail to consider the broader public safety consequences.
Dangers of Stolen or Removed Manhole Covers
The theft of manhole covers poses significant risks to public safety, the environment, and infrastructure integrity.
Key dangers like of manhole cover theft
Public Safety Hazards: Open manholes create immediate dangers to pedestrians, cyclists, and motor vehicles. At night, or in poorly lit areas, a person could fall into an uncovered manhole, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
Traffic Accidents: In high-traffic areas, the absence of a manhole cover can lead to car accidents or damage to vehicles. A vehicle driving over an uncovered manhole could be damaged, leading to further traffic disruptions and even accidents.
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Environmental Contamination and Blockages: Manhole covers are critical for preventing debris and contaminants from entering underground sewer and stormwater systems. When these covers are stolen, dirt, trash, and other objects can fall into the system, leading to blockages and potential environmental contamination.
Disruption of Public Services: Stolen manhole covers can disrupt essential public services like sewage and stormwater management, causing delays and even the temporary shutdown of services.
Efforts to Curb Theft: recent Police Operation in Panteka Market
In response to the escalating thefts, a decisive operation by the police and other security forces led to the recovery of approximately 20 stolen manhole covers from Panteka Market, a known hotspot for illegal scavenging activities.
The operation, which took place on recently was the result of intelligence reports indicating that the stolen covers had been hidden within the market.
The security forces, including both armed and unarmed personnel, thoroughly searched the market after instructing shop owners to open their stores for inspection.
The raid was successful, and the stolen manhole covers were retrieved from various locations within the market. Police Commissioner Olatunji Disu confirmed the recovery and emphasized the importance of continued efforts to combat the theft of public infrastructure.
“The Panteka remains closed. Anyone found operating there will be arrested and prosecuted,” CP Disu warned, reinforcing the authorities’ firm stance against illegal scavenging.
He also called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police, stressing the need for community cooperation to ensure the safety of Abuja’s infrastructure.
The operation is part of a broader effort to curb illegal scavenging and dismantle networks of criminals involved in the theft and sale of public assets. CP Disu highlighted that this was just one of many planned operations aimed at eradicating such crimes from the city.
Public Opinion on Punishing Manhole Cover Theft
In response to the growing threat of manhole cover thefts, NatureNews Africa conducted a poll asking the public to suggest appropriate punishments for individuals caught stealing manhole covers.
The majority of respondents voted for heavy fines as the most effective penalty. Other suggested punishments included longer prison sentences, community service, and, controversially, the death penalty.
The ongoing crisis in Abuja has led to calls for stricter laws and better enforcement to deter criminal activities targeting vital infrastructure.
In addition to punitive measures, many believe that greater public awareness and more secure manhole cover designs could help reduce the thefts.
Banning Waste Pickers and Previous Awareness Campaigns
Earlier in 2024, the Nigerian government took action by banning waste pickers, who were often implicated in the theft of manhole covers.
The move came as part of a broader crackdown on activities related to the theft of city infrastructure.
NatureNews Africa had earlier raised awareness about the dangers posed by uncovered manholes in October 2023.
The publication highlighted the serious risks these uncovered manholes present to lives and properties, drawing attention to the issue at a time when the thefts were becoming more prevalent.
