The recent directive by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, to launch “Operation Sweep Abuja Clean” is not just timely — it is a decisive and commendable move in the right direction.
For far too long, the Federal Capital has battled with the growing menace of street begging, scavenging, unauthorized street trading, and the persistent threat of “one-chance” criminal syndicates that prey on innocent residents. The situation had reached an alarming level where the dignity, beauty, and safety of Abuja — our nation’s capital and symbol of unity — were under siege.
By initiating this cleanup operation, Wike has once again demonstrated what purposeful and courageous leadership looks like. This is not merely about aesthetics or sanitation; it is a bold security intervention that seeks to protect lives, uphold the rule of law, and restore Abuja to its rightful place as a city of order, decorum, and pride.
The deployment of a Joint Task Force comprising security agencies and relevant government departments shows the seriousness with which the FCT Administration is approaching the challenge. The profiling of apprehended individuals and the effort to return them to their respective home states also reflects a human and systematic approach to dealing with this complex issue.
Indeed, the streets of Abuja are no place for criminality, drug trafficking, lawlessness, or the commercialization of begging. We cannot allow the nation’s capital to degenerate into a den for miscreants. Our citizens deserve to move around the city without fear or harassment, and our children deserve to grow up in a clean, safe, and disciplined environment.
I therefore call on all patriotic Nigerians, particularly residents of the FCT, to give their full support to this operation. Security is a collective responsibility, and reporting suspicious activities is a civic duty we must all take seriously.
Barrister Wike has once again shown uncommon willpower and commitment to the transformation of Abuja. This courageous step deserves not just applause but total backing from all political stakeholders, traditional leaders, civil society groups, and indeed every lover of peace and progress.
Let us all rise in support of this operation and ensure that the Federal Capital Territory becomes a true model of cleanliness, orderliness, and security.
Dr. Dennis Osahon Aikoriogie
APC Chieftain, Edo State
