The Federal Capital Territory Administration has said that it plans to get rid of street beggars, scavengers, illegal traders, and other miscreants in Abuja.
FCTA recently revealed that the decision follows Wike’s orders to rid Abuja and its satellite towns of all forms of nuisance.
The exercise, tagged “Operation Sweep Abuja,” was declared in a statement released by Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
According to him, Nyesom Wike and FCT residents are tired of the “one chance” syndicate and their heartless operations across the state, hence the need for more proactive steps to restore law and order.
He stated that Nigeria’s capital has to be seen as a symbol of pride at all times, not a location for all kinds of dirty hustle and criminal elements.
“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.
To achieve this, a Joint Task Force, comprising security agencies and relevant FCT Secretariats, Departments and Agencies, has been deployed to apprehend any persons found begging, scavenging, loitering or engaging in other acts inimical to the security and well-being of the residents,” he said.
He further urged residents to be security cautious and report any suspicious movement to 08061581938 and 08032003913.
Lere concluded by saying that getting the perpetrators off the streets and back to their different states is the plan.
“Arrangements have been made to profile them and hand them over to their various state governments.
Security of lives and properties of residents of the FCT is of paramount importance to the government; we must all join hands to achieve a safer Abuja,” he added.
