By Adenike Lawal
In a move to restore order and enhance security in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister Nyesom Wike has launched a sweeping clampdown on street begging, scavenging, illegal trading, and criminal activity in Abuja.
The directive, announced through a statement by Lere Olayinka, the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, introduced Operation Sweep Abuja Clean; a coordinated campaign aimed at eliminating public nuisances and threats to the city’s security and aesthetics.
“Abuja is not a dumping ground for destitution or lawlessness,” Wike declared, vowing zero tolerance for street beggars, scavengers, roadside traders, and criminal elements such as the notorious “one chance” syndicates and drug dealers.
Citing the Abuja Environmental Protection Act and related laws, the minister ordered the immediate removal of individuals involved in street begging, illegal trading, scavenging, and other disruptive or criminal acts.
A Joint Task Force comprising multiple agencies has been deployed across the FCT to enforce the order. Offenders will be arrested, profiled, and repatriated to their states of origin.
Wike urged residents to support the initiative, describing public safety as a collective duty.
“Let’s make Abuja safer and more respectable. Report suspicious activities,” he said, providing two hotline numbers: 080615819xx and 080320039xx.
