The Federal Capital Territory Administration has launched a major crackdown on beggars, scavengers, and street vendors, with 34 individuals detained across Abuja on Monday.
This action follows a recent directive by the FCT Minister ordering such individuals to vacate the capital city.
The operation was carried out by a joint task force, including the Police, Military, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other paramilitary agencies.
Their efforts focused on four main areas: the city centre, the airport road, the Kubwa-Gwarinpa axis, and the Asokoro-Nyanya-Karu corridor.
Describing the operation as a “national assignment,” FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, directed officers to enforce the mandate with professionalism and determination.
“We will come back and assess our achievements, then we will go back if there is a need for us to continue it,” Disu said.
Director of Security Adamu Gwary announced that the operation would be conducted both day and night over a two-week period.
Represented by Peter Olumuji, Gwary outlined the areas being targeted, saying, “We have the metro, which is the city centre. We have the airport road that covers the entire airport road from city gates up to Bill Clinton road.
“We also have the Kubwa axis that covers the Kubwa, Gwarinpa up to Dei Dei. And we have the last group that covers Asokoro, AYA, Nyanya, Karu, and Jikwoyi. All these will be carried out simultaneously.”
Gwary noted that 15 beggars and 19 scavengers were apprehended, with many beggars in the city centre reportedly going into hiding.
“We realised that most of them heard the voice of the minister. Notwithstanding, we have one or two who are still trying to test the waters, and we have been able to apprehend them,” he added.
The detained individuals will be transferred to the FCTA’s rehabilitation centre in Kuchikon, Bwari Area Council, where they will undergo profiling and assessment.
According toDirector of Social Welfare for the FCTA Dr. Sani Rabe, “Those willing to acquire vocational skills will receive training aimed at personal empowerment, while those unwilling to participate will be returned to their states of origin.”
Head of Enforcement at the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, Kaka Bello,emphasized that this operation is part of a broader effort to eliminate street nuisances, including unauthorized roadside vendors and technicians occupying public spaces.
