FCTA Launches Crackdown on Street Begging, Miscreants in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched a sweeping operation to clear the streets of Abuja of beggars, miscreants, scavengers, and other social offenders following a directive from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, confirmed that the exercise—code-named “Operation Sweep Abuja of miscreants, street beggars/traders, scavengers and other criminal elements”—has officially commenced.

“In line with the Abuja Environmental Protection Act, and other relevant laws, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has directed the immediate evacuation of miscreants, street beggars and traders, scavengers and other criminal elements from the FCT,” the statement read.

According to the minister, the goal is to restore order and improve security in Abuja, particularly in satellite towns where activities of street traders, beggars, and “one chance” syndicates have raised concern.

“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,” Wike stated.

To enforce the directive, a Joint Task Force made up of security agencies and relevant departments within the FCTA has been mobilised to apprehend individuals found engaging in begging, scavenging, loitering, or any other act deemed harmful to the safety of residents.

The FCTA also disclosed that arrangements are underway to identify those apprehended and repatriate them to their respective home states.

“The 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. Security is my job, your job, and our job,” the statement added.