By Divine Sam

The National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) has challenged Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, to provide credible evidence linking scrap metal scavengers to the alleged theft of electrical cables valued at N3 billion in the state.

The association’s demand follows the state government’s recent ban on scrap metal trading over security concerns, including allegations that scavengers stole cables intended for the Damaturu–Maiduguri electricity transmission line.

NASWDEN’s Deputy National President, Aminu Hassan Soja, made the call in a statement issued on Sunday, describing the allegations against scrap dealers as unfair and unsupported by credible evidence.

Soja urged the Borno State Government to provide detailed information about the affected electricity project, including the identity of the contractor handling it, when the cables were supplied and installed, and the period during which the alleged theft took place.

He also questioned the basis for the accusations, pointing out that scrap metal trading had reportedly been prohibited in Borno State for more than three years.

According to him, blaming an entire industry without presenting verifiable evidence risks unfairly damaging the reputation and livelihoods of legitimate scrap dealers.

“Governor Zulum must not use scrap dealers as scapegoats to conceal the government’s failures in providing basic social amenities and infrastructure. You cannot accuse an entire industry without presenting credible evidence,” he said.

The association maintained that anyone found responsible for the alleged theft should be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

NASWDEN further called on the state government to distinguish between legitimate scrap metal operators and individuals involved in criminal activities, warning against generalising allegations against all dealers and scavengers.

The controversy comes amid concerns over the security of critical electricity infrastructure and the challenges of protecting power transmission facilities from vandalism and theft.

While the state government’s ban is linked to security concerns, the scrap dealers’ association insists that allegations of wrongdoing must be supported by evidence and that those responsible should face the law rather than an entire industry being blamed.

The dispute has renewed attention on the need to safeguard public infrastructure while ensuring that legitimate businesses are not unfairly affected by measures introduced to address insecurity.