The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, directed that Abuja and its satellite towns be completely rid of street beggars, traders, “one chance” syndicates, scavengers, miscreants, and other social nuisances.
Wike’s directive was conveyed in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.
According to the statement, the initiative, codenamed “Operation Sweep Abuja of Miscreants, Street Beggars/Traders, Scavengers and Other Criminal Elements,” has officially commenced in the FCT.
The minister emphasised that the decision to sanitise Abuja and its environs aligns with the provisions of the Abuja Environmental Protection Act.
“In line with the Abuja Environmental Protection Act and other relevant laws, the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has directed the immediate evacuation of miscreants, street beggars and traders, scavengers and other criminal elements from the FCT.
“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,” the statement read.
Wike noted that a Joint Task Force, comprising security agencies and relevant FCT Secretariats, Departments and Agencies, SDAs, has been deployed to arrest anyone found begging, scavenging, loitering, or engaging in conduct deemed inimical to public order and safety. The apprehended individuals will be profiled and repatriated to their respective state governments.
“The security of lives and property 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. Report suspicious movement to 08061581938 and 08032003913,” the minister urged.
The move forms part of Wike’s broader efforts to restore order, enhance aesthetics, and improve safety across the FCT.
