The ban on street begging, imposed by the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, took effect on Monday, resulting in the arrest of 15 beggars and 19 scavengers across the nation’s capital.
This operation involved a coordinated effort from the Police, Military, DSS, NSCDC, and other paramilitary agencies, deployed in four units to various locations in the city centre. Their mission: to locate beggars and miscreants who lurk under bridges, in shanties, and within tunnels.
On October 22, the FCT Minister issued a stern warning to roadside beggars, urging them to cease their activities or face arrest by enforcement agents. Wike expressed concern over the alarming number of individuals occupying the streets, highlighting the security threats this poses to the metropolis.
FCT Police Commissioner Olatunji Disu referred to the operation as “a national assignment” and addressed the security teams, instructing them to maintain professionalism while firmly executing the Minister’s orders. He indicated that the operations would last for two weeks, after which strategies would be reassessed and adjusted if necessary.
Disu stated, “This operation will last for the first two weeks. We will return to evaluate our progress and determine whether further action is required.”
On the first day of operations, the Director of the FCTA Security Services Department, Adamu Gwari, noted that they would be conducting operations both day and night to achieve the desired outcomes. Represented by Dr Peter Olumuji, Gwari explained that the initial efforts were divided into four sectors: the metro (city centre), the airport road (from city gates to Bill Clinton Road), the Kubwa axis (covering Kubwa, Gwarimpa, to Dei Dei), and the final group encompassing Asokoro, AYA, Nyanya, Karu, and Jikwoyi, all operating simultaneously.
While the city centre saw no arrests as beggars had gone into hiding, the operations successfully detained 15 beggars and 19 scavengers from various locations. “Most of them clearly heard the Minister’s message. However, a few are still testing their limits, and we’ve managed to apprehend them. So far, we’ve arrested 15 beggars and 19 scavengers, and the count continues,” he added.
Kaka Bello, Head of Enforcement at the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEBP), remarked that the operations extend beyond just targeting beggars; they aim to cleanse the city of all nuisances. He emphasized that roadside traders and technicians operating illegally would also be addressed during this Ministerial initiative.
Regarding the situation of the arrested beggars, Dr. Sani Rabe, Director of Social Welfare at FCTA, explained that they would be taken to the government rehabilitation center in Kuchikon, Bwari Area Council, where they will be properly profiled. Those willing to learn will have the chance to acquire skills for personal empowerment, while those unwilling to do so will be repatriated to their states of origin.
