In a decisive effort to enhance public safety and sanitation across Nigeria’s capital, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced a sweeping operation aimed at eliminating the widespread presence of street beggars, scavengers, illegal traders, and other unauthorized individuals in Abuja and its surrounding communities.
The initiative, officially designated as Operation Sweep Abuja, was announced on Wednesday through a statement released by Mr. Lere Olayinka, who serves as the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
According to Olayinka, the exercise stems directly from Minister Wike’s directive to clear the capital of all social and environmental nuisances that pose a threat to the orderliness and security of the area. Among those targeted by the operation are members of the notorious “one chance” syndicates—criminals who disguise themselves as public transport operators to lure passengers into robbery traps.
The statement underlined that the crackdown is rooted in existing statutes, particularly the Abuja Environmental Protection Act, along with other applicable legislation. These laws empower authorities to act against behaviors and individuals considered detrimental to public safety and the environment.
“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,” Olayinka noted. His remarks highlight the administration’s position that unchecked street activity not only undermines the capital’s aesthetics but also harbors significant security risks.
To execute the operation, a Joint Task Force comprising various security agencies and departments under the FCTA has been activated. Their primary mission is to arrest individuals found begging, scavenging, loitering, or engaging in other disruptive acts within the city and its outskirts.
Once apprehended, these individuals will be profiled, and arrangements have already been made to return them to their respective states of origin.
The statement reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to maintaining law and order, emphasizing that the well-being and safety of FCT residents remain a top priority. “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,” Olayinka stressed.
In addition to enforcement, residents have been urged to stay vigilant and actively participate in ensuring public safety by reporting suspicious activities. The FCTA provided two phone numbers—08061581938 and 08032003913—for this purpose.
The move marks one of the most assertive steps taken by the Wike-led FCTA to address concerns about growing street-level disorder and criminal activity within Abuja’s cityscape. As the operation unfolds, it signals a renewed push to reclaim public spaces and restore order to Nigeria’s capital territory.
What you should know
Operation Sweep Abuja, launched by the FCTA under Nyesom Wike’s directive, is targeting street beggars, scavengers, and criminal elements to enhance security and environmental order in the capital.
Offenders will be profiled and returned to their home states. Residents are urged to remain alert and report any suspicious activities as part of efforts to make Abuja safer and more secure.
