The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has banned the operations of Pantekas (sellers of used items) in the FCT for two weeks.
The decision was part of the conclusions reached during the first meeting of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Security Council of the year 2025, which was chaired by the FCT Minister on Monday.
Wike said the ban on Panteka markets will come into effect from Tuesday, January 14, 2025.e 
The minister has also banned scavenging in Abuja city center and its environs, restricting scavengers to be placed in dumping sites only.
During the meeting, Wike also announced that all those arrested for destroying public infrastructure in the nation’s capital would be charged with economic sabotage and attempted murder.
“The activities of all Pantekas (sellers of used items) are banned for two weeks from tomorrow.
“Scavenging is prohibited in Abuja city center and its environs. Scavengers are now limited to landfills only.
“All those arrested for destroying public infrastructure will be charged in court with charges of economic sabotage and even attempted murder.” Wike said, according to a statement published by his media aide on Twitter (formerly X): Lere Olajinka.
