FCT Task Force Begins Arrest of Beggars and Scavengers in Abuja, 34 Detained for Rehabilitation
October 28, 2024
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration has begun a sweeping operation to remove beggars and scavengers from Abuja, resulting in the detention of 34 individuals—15 beggars and 19 scavengers—across various areas of the city. The detainees are set to be transferred to the FCT’s rehabilitation centre, where they will have the option of vocational training for empowerment. Those who choose not to participate in the training will be returned to their home states.
The operation follows a recent ministerial directive and involved collaboration among various security agencies, including the Police, Military, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and others. Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Olatunji Disu, described the exercise as a “national assignment” and emphasized professionalism and firmness in carrying out the directive.
“This operation will last for the first two weeks. We will come back and assess our achievements, then we will go back if there is a need for us to continue it,” said Disu, hinting at potential extensions based on the outcome.
The FCT Administration’s Director of Security, Adamu Gwary, represented by Dr. Peter Olumuji, outlined the operation’s logistics, explaining that the city had been divided into four zones to ensure comprehensive coverage. Key areas targeted include the metro, airport road, Kubwa axis, and Asokoro. Gwary stated that while many beggars had attempted to avoid detection, 34 individuals were successfully detained.
“We have the metro, which is the city centre, and we have the last group that covers Asokoro, AYA, Nyanya, Karu, and Jikwoyi,” he detailed.
Kaka Bello, Head of Enforcement at the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, added that the operation seeks to “rid the city of every nuisance,” targeting not only beggars but a wider range of disruptions to public order.
Dr. Sani Rabe, Director of Social Welfare, explained that all detainees would undergo profiling at the rehabilitation centre. There, they may opt to learn skills aimed at empowerment, while those unwilling to participate would be returned to their respective states.
The FCT Administration hopes the initiative will curb issues related to street begging and scavenging, promoting a more organized and secure capital.
