The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has started a major operation to remove street beggars, scavengers, illegal traders, and other miscreants from Abuja and nearby towns.
The operation, called Operation Sweep Abuja, was announced on Wednesday in a statement by Mr. Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
According to the statement, the action follows Minister Wike’s order to clear the capital city of all forms of public nuisance, including “one chance” robbers.
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These criminals pose as commercial drivers and rob unsuspecting passengers.
“Our nation’s capital should be a secure symbol of pride and beauty, not a site for street beggars and scavengers, most of whom are agents of criminal elements,” Olayinka said.
He explained that the operation is backed by the Abuja Environmental Protection Act and other relevant laws.
A Joint Task Force made up of security agencies and different FCT departments has been deployed to arrest anyone found begging, scavenging, loitering, or engaging in any acts that threaten public safety.
“Arrangements have been made to profile them and hand them over to their various state governments,” Olayinka added.
He also urged residents to support the effort, saying, “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.”