The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has detained 34 people in a sweeping crackdown on beggars, scavengers, and street vendors across Abuja. The operation, following a recent ministerial directive to clear the capital of these groups, was carried out on Monday by a joint task force, including the Police, Military, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other paramilitary agencies.
The task force focused on four key areas: the city centre, the airport road, the Kubwa-Gwarinpa axis, and the Asokoro-Nyanya-Karu corridor. FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, who described the crackdown as a “national assignment,” called on officers to enforce the directive with professionalism and resolve. “We will come back and assess our achievements, then we will go back if there is a need for us to continue it,” he stated.
Director of Security Adamu Gwary, represented by Peter Olumuji, announced that the operation will continue both day and night for two weeks. He outlined the task force’s operational zones, including the city centre, the entire airport road up to Bill Clinton Road, the Kubwa axis from Gwarinpa to Dei Dei, and areas from Asokoro through Nyanya, Karu, and Jikwoyi.
Gwary noted that 15 beggars and 19 scavengers were apprehended, while many others fled after hearing of the ministerial directive. “We have one or two still trying to test the waters, and we have been able to apprehend them,” he added.
Those detained will be taken to the FCTA’s rehabilitation centre in Kuchikon, Bwari Area Council, where they will be profiled and assessed. Dr. Sani Rabe, Director of Social Welfare for the FCTA, stated that those willing to acquire vocational skills would receive training for personal empowerment, while others may be returned to their states of origin.
Kaka Bello, Head of Enforcement at the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, emphasized that this operation is part of a broader plan to clear the capital of street nuisances, including unauthorized roadside vendors and technicians occupying public spaces.