By John Moses
Authorities in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have launched a major operation to clear the streets of Abuja of street beggars, informal traders, scavengers and suspected criminal elements.
The initiative, named Operation Sweep Abuja, was announced by Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, in a statement issued on Wednesday.
According to Olayinka, the operation follows Minister Wike’s directive to rid the capital and surrounding satellite towns of public nuisance and threats to residents’ safety, including the notorious “one chance” gangs. These criminal groups typically pose as taxi drivers, luring unsuspecting passengers into vehicles before robbing them.
The exercise is being carried out under the Abuja Environmental Protection Act and other relevant legislation, Olayinka explained.
“Our nation’s capital should be a secured symbol of pride and beauty, not a refuge for street beggars and scavengers, many of whom serve as fronts for criminal activities,” he said.
A Joint Task Force, made up of security agencies and various departments within the FCT Administration, has been mobilised to apprehend individuals caught begging, loitering, scavenging or engaging in acts deemed harmful to public safety.
Those detained will be profiled and returned to their states of origin, Olayinka added.
“The safety of lives and property in the FCT is paramount to the government, and we must all work together to create a safer Abuja,” he urged.
Residents have been encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity via the following phone lines: 08061581938 and 08032003913.
