By Deborah Nnamdi
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has initiated a sweeping enforcement campaign aimed at clearing Abuja and its satellite towns of street beggars, scavengers, illegal traders, and other public nuisances.
The operation, dubbed Operation Sweep Abuja, was announced on Wednesday through a statement by Mr. Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
According to Olayinka, the exercise follows a directive from the minister and targets individuals and groups contributing to insecurity and disorder in the capital, including the notorious “one chance” syndicates—criminals who disguise themselves as public transport operators to rob unsuspecting passengers.
He emphasized that the initiative aligns with the Abuja Environmental Protection Act and other applicable regulations, noting that the capital city must reflect safety, order, and dignity.
“Our capital should be a safe and beautiful symbol of national pride—not a haven for street beggars and scavengers, many of whom serve as fronts for criminal activity,” Olayinka stated.
To enforce this directive, a Joint Task Force comprising various security agencies and FCT departments has been mobilized to arrest individuals found begging, scavenging, loitering, or engaging in activities that threaten public safety.
Apprehended individuals will be profiled and returned to their respective state governments.
“Ensuring the safety of lives and property in the FCT is a top priority. We must all work together for a safer Abuja,” he added.
