The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through the Social Development Secretariat has arrested 210 beggars suspected of their involvement in criminal activities across Abuja.
Acting Director of the Social Welfare Department, Gloria Onwuka, disclosed this on Thursday while presenting the apprehended individuals at the Vocational and Rehabilitation Centre in Bwari area of the FCT.
According to Onwuka, the arrests were made in continuation of the ongoing ‘Operation Sweep Abuja Clean’ initiative.
She revealed that among those detained were 58 women, 72 children, and 80 men.
The crackdown followed public outcries over rising criminal activities, prompting the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike to order intensified operations against persons without known accommodation.
“Every day, you receive complaints about one thing or the other, one-chance robberies, kidnappings, all manner of evil things in the FCT. So, the minister directed us to do away with all those things.
“Most of the beggars go to the extent of hiring people’s children to beg on the streets. Some families rent out their children, and we don’t even know this is how they’re being used.
“They have turned it into a business. They bring people from other states, drop them in Abuja early in the morning to beg, and by nightfall, they disappear,” she said.
Onwuka recounted instances of fraud, including a woman who falsely claimed to have breast cancer.
“When officers checked, there was no wound, just a deception to exploit sympathy,” she said.
She also highlighted the dangers posed by criminals disguising as beggars, “Our officers arrested a man at 2a.m. carrying a machete, a POS machine, and multiple ATM cards.
“They force victims to disclose their bank details, failure to comply leads to violence.”
The Acting Director affirmed that the exercise would persist until Abuja was free of street beggars.
“We have arrested 80 men, 58 women, and 72 children so far. This operation will continue until our streets are safe,” she assured.
Director of FCTA Security Services Department, Adamu Gwary, also echoed concerns over rising crime linked to street begging.
Gwary, who was represented by Peter Olumuji, stated, “We believe that most of those arrested have contributed to varying degrees of crime in the capital. Their activities have become a major security threat, causing distress among residents.
“The minister has directed the Commissioner of Police and other agencies to rid the FCT of these security risks,” he said.
He assured that the FCTA remains committed to restoring security and order in the nation’s capital, urging residents to report suspicious activities.
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