Abuja, Nigeria – In a bold move to restore order and safety in the nation’s capital, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched a sweeping operation to remove miscreants, street beggars and traders, “one-chance” syndicates, scavengers, and other social nuisances from Abuja and its satellite towns.
The initiative, code-named Operation Sweep Abuja, was ordered by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, in accordance with the Abuja Environmental Protection Act and other relevant laws.
Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister, Lere Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement released on Wednesday, July 9. He said the directive is part of efforts to make Abuja a secure and dignified capital city befitting Nigeria’s status.
“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,” Olayinka stated.
A Joint Task Force comprising security agencies and key departments under the FCTA has been deployed to carry out the operation. The task force is mandated to apprehend individuals found engaging in begging, scavenging, loitering, or other activities deemed a threat to public safety and sanitation.
According to the statement, arrested individuals will be profiled and returned to their respective home states.
“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,” Olayinka added.
The public is also encouraged to report any suspicious activity through the FCTA’s dedicated hotlines: 08061581938 and 08032003913.
