The Cross River State Government has extended the suspension of all scrap metal-related activities in the state by one month as part of efforts to curb vandalism and strengthen regulation of the sector.The state had initially imposed the ban earlier this year following concerns over the increasing theft and vandalism of public assets, including critical infrastructure, allegedly carried out under the guise of scrap collection.The extension, announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ededem Ani, will remain in force until August 23, 2026.According to the government, the decision followed the earlier suspension approved by Governor Bassey Otu on February 23, 2026, in response to growing cases of vandalism, theft and destruction of public infrastructure allegedly linked to scavengers, scrap dealers and their agents.The statement read, “Further to the Press Release dated the 23rd of February 2026, communicating His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s approval of the suspension of all scrap-related activities, the Cross River State Government hereby notifies the general public that the suspension has been extended for a further period of one (1) month expiring on the 23rd August 2026.”The government said the extension would provide time to conclude its ongoing review of laws, policies and the regulatory framework governing scrap-related activities.Related NewsNSCDC, Kogi monarchs partner to curb illegal coal miningTrump praised Tinubu’s resolve, not anti-terrorism achievement, says APMCAN rejects proposed ban on preaching inside vehiclesIt added that the review is intended to strengthen oversight of the sector, identify and protect legitimate operators and prevent criminal elements from infiltrating the scrap metal business.The statement added, “The objective is to strengthen the regulatory regime, identify and protect legitimate operators, and implement measures that effectively prevent the infiltration of criminal elements into the sector. Government regrets any inconvenience caused to legitimate businesses and law-abiding operators.”While acknowledging the impact of the continued suspension on legitimate businesses, the government maintained that protecting public infrastructure and ensuring public safety remain its priority.It stated, “The protection of public infrastructure, the preservation of public order and security remain paramount.”The government also warned that the suspension remains fully in force and that anyone found violating the directive would face legal consequences.The statement warned, “Members of the general public are accordingly informed that the suspension remains in full force and that any person or organization found engaging in scrap-related activities in contravention of this directive shall be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.” The state had initially imposed the ban earlier this year following concerns over the increasing theft and vandalism of public assets, including critical infrastructure, allegedly carried out under the guise of scrap collection.The extension, announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ededem Ani, will remain in force until August 23, 2026.According to the government, the decision followed the earlier suspension approved by Governor Bassey Otu on February 23, 2026, in response to growing cases of vandalism, theft and destruction of public infrastructure allegedly linked to scavengers, scrap dealers and their agents.The statement read, “Further to the Press Release dated the 23rd of February 2026, communicating His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s approval of the suspension of all scrap-related activities, the Cross River State Government hereby notifies the general public that the suspension has been extended for a further period of one (1) month expiring on the 23rd August 2026.”The government said the extension would provide time to conclude its ongoing review of laws, policies and the regulatory framework governing scrap-related activities.Related NewsNSCDC, Kogi monarchs partner to curb illegal coal miningTrump praised Tinubu’s resolve, not anti-terrorism achievement, says APMCAN rejects proposed ban on preaching inside vehiclesIt added that the review is intended to strengthen oversight of the sector, identify and protect legitimate operators and prevent criminal elements from infiltrating the scrap metal business.The statement added, “The objective is to strengthen the regulatory regime, identify and protect legitimate operators, and implement measures that effectively prevent the infiltration of criminal elements into the sector. Government regrets any inconvenience caused to legitimate businesses and law-abiding operators.”While acknowledging the impact of the continued suspension on legitimate businesses, the government maintained that protecting public infrastructure and ensuring public safety remain its priority.It stated, “The protection of public infrastructure, the preservation of public order and security remain paramount.”The government also warned that the suspension remains fully in force and that anyone found violating the directive would face legal consequences.The statement warned, “Members of the general public are accordingly informed that the suspension remains in full force and that any person or organization found engaging in scrap-related activities in contravention of this directive shall be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.” The extension, announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ededem Ani, will remain in force until August 23, 2026.According to the government, the decision followed the earlier suspension approved by Governor Bassey Otu on February 23, 2026, in response to growing cases of vandalism, theft and destruction of public infrastructure allegedly linked to scavengers, scrap dealers and their agents.The statement read, “Further to the Press Release dated the 23rd of February 2026, communicating His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s approval of the suspension of all scrap-related activities, the Cross River State Government hereby notifies the general public that the suspension has been extended for a further period of one (1) month expiring on the 23rd August 2026.”The government said the extension would provide time to conclude its ongoing review of laws, policies and the regulatory framework governing scrap-related activities.Related NewsNSCDC, Kogi monarchs partner to curb illegal coal miningTrump praised Tinubu’s resolve, not anti-terrorism achievement, says APMCAN rejects proposed ban on preaching inside vehiclesIt added that the review is intended to strengthen oversight of the sector, identify and protect legitimate operators and prevent criminal elements from infiltrating the scrap metal business.The statement added, “The objective is to strengthen the regulatory regime, identify and protect legitimate operators, and implement measures that effectively prevent the infiltration of criminal elements into the sector. Government regrets any inconvenience caused to legitimate businesses and law-abiding operators.”While acknowledging the impact of the continued suspension on legitimate businesses, the government maintained that protecting public infrastructure and ensuring public safety remain its priority.It stated, “The protection of public infrastructure, the preservation of public order and security remain paramount.”The government also warned that the suspension remains fully in force and that anyone found violating the directive would face legal consequences.The statement warned, “Members of the general public are accordingly informed that the suspension remains in full force and that any person or organization found engaging in scrap-related activities in contravention of this directive shall be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.” According to the government, the decision followed the earlier suspension approved by Governor Bassey Otu on February 23, 2026, in response to growing cases of vandalism, theft and destruction of public infrastructure allegedly linked to scavengers, scrap dealers and their agents.The statement read, “Further to the Press Release dated the 23rd of February 2026, communicating His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s approval of the suspension of all scrap-related activities, the Cross River State Government hereby notifies the general public that the suspension has been extended for a further period of one (1) month expiring on the 23rd August 2026.”The government said the extension would provide time to conclude its ongoing review of laws, policies and the regulatory framework governing scrap-related activities.Related NewsNSCDC, Kogi monarchs partner to curb illegal coal miningTrump praised Tinubu’s resolve, not anti-terrorism achievement, says APMCAN rejects proposed ban on preaching inside vehiclesIt added that the review is intended to strengthen oversight of the sector, identify and protect legitimate operators and prevent criminal elements from infiltrating the scrap metal business.The statement added, “The objective is to strengthen the regulatory regime, identify and protect legitimate operators, and implement measures that effectively prevent the infiltration of criminal elements into the sector. Government regrets any inconvenience caused to legitimate businesses and law-abiding operators.”While acknowledging the impact of the continued suspension on legitimate businesses, the government maintained that protecting public infrastructure and ensuring public safety remain its priority.It stated, “The protection of public infrastructure, the preservation of public order and security remain paramount.”The government also warned that the suspension remains fully in force and that anyone found violating the directive would face legal consequences.The statement warned, “Members of the general public are accordingly informed that the suspension remains in full force and that any person or organization found engaging in scrap-related activities in contravention of this directive shall be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.” The statement read, “Further to the Press Release dated the 23rd of February 2026, communicating His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s approval of the suspension of all scrap-related activities, the Cross River State Government hereby notifies the general public that the suspension has been extended for a further period of one (1) month expiring on the 23rd August 2026.”The government said the extension would provide time to conclude its ongoing review of laws, policies and the regulatory framework governing scrap-related activities.Related NewsNSCDC, Kogi monarchs partner to curb illegal coal miningTrump praised Tinubu’s resolve, not anti-terrorism achievement, says APMCAN rejects proposed ban on preaching inside vehiclesIt added that the review is intended to strengthen oversight of the sector, identify and protect legitimate operators and prevent criminal elements from infiltrating the scrap metal business.The statement added, “The objective is to strengthen the regulatory regime, identify and protect legitimate operators, and implement measures that effectively prevent the infiltration of criminal elements into the sector. Government regrets any inconvenience caused to legitimate businesses and law-abiding operators.”While acknowledging the impact of the continued suspension on legitimate businesses, the government maintained that protecting public infrastructure and ensuring public safety remain its priority.It stated, “The protection of public infrastructure, the preservation of public order and security remain paramount.”The government also warned that the suspension remains fully in force and that anyone found violating the directive would face legal consequences.The statement warned, “Members of the general public are accordingly informed that the suspension remains in full force and that any person or organization found engaging in scrap-related activities in contravention of this directive shall be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.” The government said the extension would provide time to conclude its ongoing review of laws, policies and the regulatory framework governing scrap-related activities.Related NewsNSCDC, Kogi monarchs partner to curb illegal coal miningTrump praised Tinubu’s resolve, not anti-terrorism achievement, says APMCAN rejects proposed ban on preaching inside vehiclesIt added that the review is intended to strengthen oversight of the sector, identify and protect legitimate operators and prevent criminal elements from infiltrating the scrap metal business.The statement added, “The objective is to strengthen the regulatory regime, identify and protect legitimate operators, and implement measures that effectively prevent the infiltration of criminal elements into the sector. Government regrets any inconvenience caused to legitimate businesses and law-abiding operators.”While acknowledging the impact of the continued suspension on legitimate businesses, the government maintained that protecting public infrastructure and ensuring public safety remain its priority.It stated, “The protection of public infrastructure, the preservation of public order and security remain paramount.”The government also warned that the suspension remains fully in force and that anyone found violating the directive would face legal consequences.The statement warned, “Members of the general public are accordingly informed that the suspension remains in full force and that any person or organization found engaging in scrap-related activities in contravention of this directive shall be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.” It added that the review is intended to strengthen oversight of the sector, identify and protect legitimate operators and prevent criminal elements from infiltrating the scrap metal business.The statement added, “The objective is to strengthen the regulatory regime, identify and protect legitimate operators, and implement measures that effectively prevent the infiltration of criminal elements into the sector. Government regrets any inconvenience caused to legitimate businesses and law-abiding operators.”While acknowledging the impact of the continued suspension on legitimate businesses, the government maintained that protecting public infrastructure and ensuring public safety remain its priority.It stated, “The protection of public infrastructure, the preservation of public order and security remain paramount.”The government also warned that the suspension remains fully in force and that anyone found violating the directive would face legal consequences.The statement warned, “Members of the general public are accordingly informed that the suspension remains in full force and that any person or organization found engaging in scrap-related activities in contravention of this directive shall be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.” The statement added, “The objective is to strengthen the regulatory regime, identify and protect legitimate operators, and implement measures that effectively prevent the infiltration of criminal elements into the sector. Government regrets any inconvenience caused to legitimate businesses and law-abiding operators.”While acknowledging the impact of the continued suspension on legitimate businesses, the government maintained that protecting public infrastructure and ensuring public safety remain its priority.It stated, “The protection of public infrastructure, the preservation of public order and security remain paramount.”The government also warned that the suspension remains fully in force and that anyone found violating the directive would face legal consequences.The statement warned, “Members of the general public are accordingly informed that the suspension remains in full force and that any person or organization found engaging in scrap-related activities in contravention of this directive shall be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.” While acknowledging the impact of the continued suspension on legitimate businesses, the government maintained that protecting public infrastructure and ensuring public safety remain its priority.It stated, “The protection of public infrastructure, the preservation of public order and security remain paramount.”The government also warned that the suspension remains fully in force and that anyone found violating the directive would face legal consequences.The statement warned, “Members of the general public are accordingly informed that the suspension remains in full force and that any person or organization found engaging in scrap-related activities in contravention of this directive shall be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.” It stated, “The protection of public infrastructure, the preservation of public order and security remain paramount.”The government also warned that the suspension remains fully in force and that anyone found violating the directive would face legal consequences.The statement warned, “Members of the general public are accordingly informed that the suspension remains in full force and that any person or organization found engaging in scrap-related activities in contravention of this directive shall be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.” The government also warned that the suspension remains fully in force and that anyone found violating the directive would face legal consequences.The statement warned, “Members of the general public are accordingly informed that the suspension remains in full force and that any person or organization found engaging in scrap-related activities in contravention of this directive shall be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.” The statement warned, “Members of the general public are accordingly informed that the suspension remains in full force and that any person or organization found engaging in scrap-related activities in contravention of this directive shall be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.”