Wike’s FCTA Cracks Down on Begging and Scavenging in Abuja, 34 Arrested

The Federal Capital Territory Administration, under Minister Wike, has detained 34 individuals involved in begging and scavenging in Abuja, stepping up efforts to maintain urban order.

In a coordinated operation on Monday, a joint security team arrested 34 individuals—comprising 15 beggars and 19 scavengers—as part of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA)’s effort to eradicate street begging and scavenging in Abuja.

The FCTA has stated that the arrested individuals will be given vocational training, and those who do not wish to learn new skills will be sent back to their home states.

This decision comes after the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, expressed concerns on October 22 about beggars defacing the city and creating security risks.

The operation was a joint effort among multiple security agencies, including the police, military, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other paramilitary forces. These groups worked together to implement the ministerial directives on-site.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, referred to the task as a “national assignment” and encouraged officers to carry out the operation with professionalism.

“The operation is set to run for the initial two weeks, after which we will evaluate our accomplishments. If necessary, we’ll resume it,” he stated.

Adamu Gwary, the Director of Security for FCTA, confirmed that the operation would be conducted around the clock to ensure maximum impact.

Dr. Peter Olumuji, acting as Gwary’s representative, explained that the enforcement exercise was split into four zones to encompass key areas of the city: the metro area, Airport Road, Kubwa axis, and Asokoro.

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We have the metro area, which includes the city center. Additionally, there’s the airport road spanning from the city gates to Bill Clinton Road. The Kubwa axis encompasses areas including Kubwa and Gwarinpa up to Dei Dei. Finally, we cover Asokoro, AYA, Nyanya, Karu, and Jikwoyi in another group. All these initiatives will be carried out at once.

We found that the majority heard the minister’s message. However, one or two individuals are still hesitant and we have managed to stop them. Additionally, we’ve apprehended 15 beggars and 19 scavengers in different areas, with more being identified.

Kaka Bello, the Head of Enforcement at the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), stated that the current operation targets beggars and scavengers as well as roadside traders and unauthorized technicians.

Dr. Sani Rabe, the Director of Social Welfare for FCTA, stated that individuals who have been arrested will undergo profiling at the Kuchikon rehabilitation center.

Meanwhile, Wike has announced that the FCTA plans to introduce a new security initiative aimed at removing beggars from Abuja city.

Wike announced this on Monday during the inauguration of the upgraded War College/Army Checkpoint Road and other related roads in Ushafa, Bwari Area Council, Abuja.

The minister mentioned that some individuals opt to beg.

Please remain in your own state if you wish to solicit. The FCT cannot become a hub for begging, as it is our sole city meant to represent us globally. We are committed to maintaining its image and will not permit this change.

“If you’re going to beg, please go to the villages and stay out of the city center. We want a clean city and are prepared for any criminal activity,” he stated.

The minister stated that this initiative was among the steps being taken to enhance security in the FCT, and added that security agencies were making every effort to ensure the safety of residents.