By Merciful Omoba
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has removed 607 beggars and mentally challenged persons from Abuja streets between July 2025 and date.
The Head of Enforcement at the FCT Social Development Secretariat, Mrs Ukachi Adebayo, disclosed this on Monday, saying the exercise was carried out by the Operation Sweep Abuja Clean team.
According to her, 583 of those evacuated were beggars, while 23 were mentally challenged individuals. She said those apprehended were counselled, profiled and returned to their states through state liaison offices for rehabilitation.
Adebayo noted that many of the evacuees often return to the streets, adding that the operation remains ongoing. She explained that some were driven to Abuja by insecurity in their home states.
Also speaking, Acting Director of Social Welfare, Mrs Gloria Onwuka, said street begging has become organised, with some individuals bringing children from other states to beg. She added that some women caught begging with children were not their biological mothers.
Secretary of the FCTA Command and Control Centre, Dr Peter Olumuji, said Operation Sweep is a joint security initiative approved by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to rid the city of beggars, miscreants and criminal elements.
He warned that beggars pose security risks, sometimes acting as informants to criminals, and defacing the city’s image.
Wike had earlier declared a crackdown on street begging, insisting Abuja must not be allowed to become a “beggars’ city” and stressing the need to ensure security and order in the capital.
