The National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) has challenged Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum to substantiate his allegation that metal scavengers stole electrical cables purchased for a power distribution project valued at more than ₦3 billion.

The association, through its Deputy National President, Aminu Hassan Soja, called on the state government to provide verifiable details of the project, including the contractor responsible, when the cables were supplied and installed, and when the alleged theft occurred.

The challenge followed Zulum’s statement that all the wires purchased for an electricity distribution line linking Damaturu in Yobe State to Maiduguri, Borno State, had been lost to metal scavenging activities.

The governor cited the incident as one of the reasons for restricting scrap metal trading in Borno, arguing that the practice posed risks to public infrastructure and security.

However, Soja questioned the evidence supporting the allegation, noting that scrap metal scavenging had reportedly been prohibited in the state for more than three years. He called for clarification on how the alleged theft occurred under the existing restrictions.

The association warned against making generalised accusations against scrap dealers without identifying those responsible or presenting evidence linking them to the missing cables.

It also rejected any suggestion that legitimate scrap and waste dealers were associated with insurgent activities, insisting that the industry included law-abiding operators whose businesses contribute to recycling and employment.

NASWDEN urged the Borno State Government to publish the relevant evidence, identify any individuals found responsible for theft and allow the matter to be addressed through appropriate investigative and legal processes.

The association maintained that allegations of criminal conduct should be based on verifiable facts rather than assumptions that could damage the reputation and livelihoods of legitimate businesses.