The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered a sweeping crackdown on street beggars, scavengers, illegal traders, and suspected criminal syndicates operating across Abuja.
This directive was disclosed on Wednesday in a statement issued by Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister.
The move, part of a newly launched initiative titled “Operation Sweep Abuja Clean,” aims to rid the capital city of what Wike described as “public nuisances” and restore law and order.
According to the minister, Abuja must not serve as a haven for scavengers, beggars, and those involved in criminal activities such as drug dealing and the notorious “one-chance” robbery tactics.
“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 nation’s capital must reflect order, security, and dignity, not scenes of disorder and insecurity caused by unchecked street activities.
A Joint Task Force made up of security agencies and relevant FCT agencies has already been deployed to enforce the directive. Offenders will be arrested, profiled, and repatriated to their respective states of origin, the statement added.
“The security of lives and property of residents of the FCT is of paramount importance to the government. We must all join hands to achieve a safer Abuja,” the minister said.
Residents are encouraged to play a role in maintaining safety by reporting any unusual or suspicious activities to designated emergency lines: 08061581938 or 08032003913.