The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has arrested 210 beggars during its ongoing Operation Sweep Abuja.
Mrs. Gloria Onwuka, Acting Director of Social Welfare at the FCTA, revealed this on Thursday after the fourth day of the operation, which started on Monday.
The ongoing operation targets miscreants, street beggars, traders, scavengers, one change syndicates and other criminals across the city.
According to Mrs. Onwuka, the 210 detainees include 80 men, 58 women, and 72 children. They are currently being held at the Bwari Rehabilitation Centre.
She explained that some scavengers and members of criminal syndicates were handed over to the police for further action.
Mrs. Onwuka said the beggars were caught in various locations and are being profiled before being sent back to their home states.
She raised alarm about a growing trend of begging being run like a business.
“Begging is now run like a business. People will go and hire people’s children from other states like Kano and Katsina, put them in vehicles very early in the morning, come to Abuja and start begging.
“The families they are hiring these children from don’t even know that this is what they are using their children to do.
“We have caught so many of them like that.
“Some beggars even fake injuries. Some of the beggars will even tie a bandage on their legs claiming injuries but it’s all lies. For example, a woman claimed she had breast cancer and covered her chest with a bandage, but when we removed it, there was no wound,” Mrs. Onwuka said.
Mr. Damy Gwary, Director of Security Services at FCTA, said the operation had covered major areas including the City Centre, Kubwa, Gwarimpa, Asokoro, Garki, and Wuse.
He explained that beggars and criminal elements are a threat to security and a nuisance to residents.
Represented by Dr. Peter Olumuji, Secretary of the FCTA Command and Control Centre, Mr. Gwary said the operation aims to rid Abuja of all security threats.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has directed the Commissioner of Police and security agencies to continue the operation until the city is safe from criminal activities.
“The police will provide updates on the progress as the operation continues,” he added.
