Wike Orders Renewed Clampdown On One-Chance Robbers, Others

…As JTF Impounds 670 Vehicles, Arrests 273 Street Beggars

The Federal Capital Territory Joint Task Force (FCT JTF) has renewed its clampdown on street beggars, one-chance robbery syndicates, illegal miners, traffic offenders, and unapproved settlements across Abuja.

The operation was spearheaded by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in collaboration with security and enforcement agencies, including the police, civil defence, NDLEA, the Department of State Services (DSS), VIO, and FCDA officials.

Addressing journalists after a meeting on Tuesday, the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Adewale, said operation tagged “Operation Sweep” has recorded successes over the past month, which prompted a directive for its continuation.

“To the glory of God, the exercise has been very successful. From the gains we have recorded, we have seen the need to continue. The Minister has tasked all service commanders to sustain this momentum,” CP Adewale said.

The joint taskforce effort, he explained, reflects the administration’s multi-agency approach to restoring order, curb urban crime, and reclaiming public spaces across the FCT.

The Commissioner noted that the security sweep has led to the arrest and profiling of over 273 destitute persons, who are currently being processed at the Bwari centre for relocation to their respective states.

He stated that more than 670 vehicles have been impounded for various infractions, including covered number plates, illegal tinted windows, and unauthorised commercial operations such as unregistered e-hailing services, which have been linked to the persistent “one-chance” robbery cases in the city.

CP Adewale revealed that Wike has expressed concern over the proliferation of shanties and makeshift settlements across the city, stressing the security and environmental risks they pose.

“The Honourable Minister has tasked service commanders to continue clearing these structures and rid the streets of beggars and destitute individuals who constitute a threat to the environment,” he said.

The CP also emphasised the government’s firm stance against illegal internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, noting that such settlements are not recognized within the FCT.

“People found without a legitimate reason to be in Abuja will be relocated to where they belong,” he noted.

While addressing recent concerns about communal tensions in Gwagwalada, CP Adewale confirmed that the clash between herders and farmers has been resolved through stakeholder engagement.

“To God be the glory, that issue has been laid to rest. Peace accords have been signed and security presence maintained in the area to prevent a recurrence,” he assured.

On efforts to tackle the rising “one-chance” robbery incidents, the Commissioner disclosed that security agencies are intensifying patrols and presence around major bus stops and other hotspots.

He encouraged residents to use designated transport points and avoid boarding vehicles in isolation, especially at night.

“We are also working to improve illumination across the city. A well-lit environment contributes significantly to crime prevention,” he said.

The Commissioner also warned against traffic offences such as wrong-way driving, calling it a “suicide mission” that endangers lives.

He promised a total clampdown on violators, with documentation of offenders to deter future infractions.

He disclosed that in the course of Operation Sweep, arrests have also been made for drug-related offenses, which have been transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action.

The CP explained that different agencies are handling specific categories of offenders, based on the nature of the crimes, to ensure efficient prosecution and rehabilitation where applicable.

CP Adewale reassured residents of the commitment of the FCT security architecture to adapt and respond effectively to evolving threats, noting that public cooperation and vigilance remain crucial to lasting peace and safety.

“National security begins with personal security,” he added.

Wike Orders Renewed Clampdown On One-Chance Robbers, Others is first published on The Whistler Newspaper