Following the end of a government directive for beggars to vacate Abuja’s streets, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration has arrested 15 beggars and 19 scavengers after an extensive operation on Monday, targeting beggars, scavengers, and other destitute across the city.
News About Nigeria reports that the combined enforcement team—including police, military, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and paramilitary personnel—was divided into four groups.
These groups scoured various locations, including under bridges and tunnels, for people living in public areas.
FCT Police Commissioner Olatunji Disu, overseeing the operation, stated that the effort was a “national assignment,” urging officers to maintain professionalism and uphold ministerial orders.
He noted that the operation will last two weeks, after which authorities will assess progress and determine if further action is needed.
FCT Security Services Director Adamu Gwari, represented by Dr. Peter Olumuji, explained the team’s division, saying, “We covered the metro area (city centre), the airport road from city gates to Bill Clinton Road, the Kubwa axis, and areas like Asokoro, AYA, Nyanya, and Jikwoyi.”
He reported that while no beggars were apprehended in the city centre, they detained 15 beggars and 19 scavengers across other areas.
Kaka Bello, Head of Enforcement for the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEBP), added that the operation aimed to sanitise the city of all public nuisances, extending to roadside vendors and unauthorised technicians.
Dr. Sani Rabe, Director of Social Welfare for the FCTA, confirmed that those arrested would be sent to the government’s rehabilitation centre in Kuchikon, Bwari Area Council. There, trainable people will receive vocational training, while others may be repatriated to their home states.
