FCTA begins ‘Operation Sweep Abuja’ to clear streets of criminals, beggars

By Kunle Sanni –

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched a major enforcement campaign to rid Abuja and its satellite towns of street beggars, miscreants, scavengers, and criminal gangs, including “one-chance” operators.

The exercise, codenamed Operation Sweep Abuja, was ordered by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as part of efforts to enhance security, environmental cleanliness, and public order in the nation’s capital.

In a statement issued by Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCTA said the operation aligns with the Abuja Environmental Protection Act and other existing laws.

“Our nation’s capital should be a secured symbol of pride and beauty, not a site for street beggars and scavengers, most of whom are agents of criminal elements,” the statement said.

A joint task force comprising security agencies and relevant FCT departments has been deployed to arrest those found engaging in street begging, scavenging, illegal trading, loitering, or other activities deemed harmful to public safety.

The FCTA stated that arrested individuals will be profiled and returned to their states of origin as part of a wider plan to restore order and reduce the criminal presence in the territory.

The administration emphasized that the safety of lives and property in the FCT remains a top priority and urged residents to support the exercise.

Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities to security hotlines provided by the FCTA: 08061581938 and 08032003913.