FCTA Cracks Down on Beggars, Scavengers in Abuja, 34 Arrested

The Director of Security for the FCTA, Adamu Gwary, represented by Peter Olumuji, stated that the clampdown would continue both day and night over the next two weeks.

Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has intensified efforts to rid Abuja’s streets of beggars, scavengers, and unauthorized vendors, arresting 34 individuals in a large-scale operation that began on Monday.

The move follows a recent directive from FCT authorities ordering street-dwellers to leave the capital city as part of a broader initiative to maintain order and cleanliness.

The joint task force involved in the operation includes the Nigerian Police, Military, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other paramilitary agencies. The task force focused on key areas, including the city centre, airport road, Kubwa-Gwarinpa axis, and the Asokoro-Nyanya-Karu corridor.

Describing the operation as a “national assignment,” FCT Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu directed officers to enforce the mandate professionally and thoroughly, with plans to assess the operation’s impact before deciding on further actions.

The Director of Security for the FCTA, Adamu Gwary, represented by Peter Olumuji, stated that the clampdown would continue both day and night over the next two weeks. The target areas are divided into zones: the city centre, airport road from the city gate to Bill Clinton Road, Kubwa-Gwarinpa up to Dei Dei, and Asokoro-Aya-Nyanya-Karu-Jikwoyi.

As part of the first day’s sweep, 15 beggars and 19 scavengers were apprehended, while several individuals reportedly went into hiding after hearing about the operation.

“We realised that most of them heard the voice of the minister. Notwithstanding, we have one or two who are still trying to test the waters, and we have been able to apprehend them,” Gwary said.

The FCTA has outlined plans for the arrested individuals, who will be taken to a rehabilitation centre in Kuchikon, Bwari Area Council. There, they will be profiled, assessed, and offered the opportunity to acquire vocational skills for personal empowerment. Those unwilling to participate in training will be returned to their states of origin, according to Dr. Sani Rabe, Director of Social Welfare for the FCTA.

Kaka Bello, Head of Enforcement at the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, stressed that the operation is part of an ongoing strategy to remove street nuisances, including unauthorized vendors and roadside technicians, from public spaces across Abuja.