- Task force deployed to arrest beggars, scavengers and loiterers disturbing peace in the nation’s capital city.
- FCT residents urged to report any suspicious movement to dedicated emergency hotlines made available by the ministry.
The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered an aggressive clampdown on street beggars, scavengers, illegal traders and suspected criminal gangs across Abuja.
The order was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by the senior special assistant on public communications and social media to the minister, Lere Olayinka.
According to the statement, the FCTA has launched a new initiative tagged Operation Sweep Abuja Clean to rid the city of public nuisances and restore order.
Wike said the capital city must not be allowed to become a safe haven for scavengers, drug peddlers, street beggars, or “one-chance” criminals.
“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 and traders, scavengers and other criminal elements from the FCT,” the statement read.
“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 stated that a joint task force made up of security agencies and relevant FCT departments has been mobilised for the exercise.
“To achieve this, a Joint Task Force, comprising security agencies and relevant FCT SDAs have been deployed to apprehend any persons found begging, scavenging, loitering or engaging in other acts inimical to the well-being of the residents. Arrangements have been made to profile them and hand them over to their home state governments.”
He assured residents that their safety remains a top priority of the FCTA.
“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 minister called on residents to report any suspicious activities within their communities to the provided emergency lines.
“If you notice any unusual or suspicious activity, please report it by calling 08061581938 or 08032003913,” the statement added.
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