By Joy Yesufu
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has directed a sweeping operation to rid Abuja of street beggars, scavengers, illegal traders, and suspected criminal elements including “one-chance” operators and drug dealers.
The directive was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communications and Social Media.
The new enforcement drive, dubbed “Operation Sweep Abuja Clean,” aims to restore order, ensure public safety, and uphold the city’s environmental and security standards.
It will be implemented through a Joint Task Force comprising security agencies and relevant departments of the FCT Administration.
“In line with the Abuja Environmental Protection Act and other applicable laws, the Minister has ordered the immediate evacuation of miscreants, street beggars, illegal traders, and scavengers from the FCT,” the statement read.
Wike emphasized that the nation’s capital must reflect dignity, order, and security, not serve as a haven for criminality disguised as destitution.
“Abuja is not a place for scavengers and beggars, many of whom serve as fronts for criminal syndicates,” the statement noted.
The Joint Task Force has been mandated to apprehend and profile those involved in street begging, illegal trading, and related nuisances. Offenders will be handed over to their respective state governments for further action.
The minister called on residents to play their part in ensuring safety and cleanliness across the FCT.
The public is encouraged to report suspicious activities via 08061581938 or 08032003913.
According to the FCTA, the operation is part of broader efforts to make Abuja a safe, secure, and orderly capital city.
