Abuja not for scavengers, street beggars – Wike orders crackdown on criminal elements

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has ordered a major crackdown on street beggars, scavengers, illegal traders, one chance syndicates and other suspected criminal elements across Abuja.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister, Lere Olayinka on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the minister said the FCTA has launched Operation Sweep Abuja Clean to remove all public nuisances and restore sanity to the city.

Wike made it clear that the streets of Abuja are not a place for scavengers, beggars, and those involved in criminal acts like “one-chance” syndicates and drug dealers.

“In line with the Abuja Environmental Protection Act, and other relevant laws, the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike has directed the immediate evacuation of miscreants, street beggars and traders, scavengers and other criminal elements from the FCT.

“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.

“To achieve this, a Joint Task Force, comprising security agencies and relevant FCT SDAs have been deployed to apprehend any persons found begging, scavenging, loitering or engaging in other acts inimical to the well-being of the residents. Arrangements have been made to profile them and hand them over to their home 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,” the statement reads in part.

According to the statement, everyone has a role to play in keeping the communities safe.

“If you notice any unusual or suspicious activity, please report it by calling 08061581938 or 08032003913,” the statement added.

Abuja not for scavengers, street beggars – Wike orders crackdown on criminal elements