The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered a sweeping crackdown on street beggars, scavengers, illegal traders, “one-chance” syndicates, drug dealers, and other suspected criminal elements operating across Abuja.
This directive was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by Lere Olayinka, the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, as reported by Hobnob News.
Wike declared the launch of a major security initiative code-named “Operation Sweep Abuja Clean”, aimed at restoring order and sanity to the nation’s capital by eliminating all forms of public nuisance.
“In line with the Abuja Environmental Protection Act and other relevant laws, the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has directed the immediate evacuation of miscreants, street beggars, traders, scavengers, and other criminal elements from the FCT,” the statement read.
Wike emphasized that the streets of Abuja must not serve as safe haven for individuals engaged in criminal activities or those constituting social and environmental hazards.
“Our nation’s capital should be a secured symbol of pride and beauty, not a site for street beggars and scavengers, most of whom are agents of criminal elements,” he said.
The minister added that a Joint Task Force, composed of security agencies and relevant departments of the FCT Administration (FCTA), has already been deployed. The Task Force is empowered to apprehend individuals found begging, loitering, scavenging, or engaging in activities detrimental to the well-being and security of residents.
According to the statement, those apprehended will be profiled and handed over to their respective state governments.
“Security of lives and properties of residents of the FCT is of paramount importance to the government. We must all join hands to achieve a safer Abuja,” the statement emphasized.
The minister also urged members of the public to support the effort by reporting suspicious activities. Residents can report concerns via the dedicated emergency lines: 08061581938 or 08032003913.
The crackdown comes amid growing concern over insecurity and environmental degradation across parts of the capital city.
About The Author
