Yuletide: Abuja Task Force Cracks Down On Miscreants

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) task force named “Operation Sweep” has stepped up efforts to curb the activities of miscreants in the nation’s capital during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The director of the Department of Security Services, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Adamu Gwary, who led the task force yesterday, visited Apo Bridge, Area 1 Roundabout, Julius Berger Junction, and Utako Motor Park to sensitise the operators.

Gwary, who was represented by Dr Olumiji Peter, said the administration in partnership with security agencies had deployed men and officers to suspected black spots to provide tight security during the festive period.

He called on operators of motor parks and event centres to ensure that those without clear identity, especially motorists, are not allowed to operate there.

“We are going round the city in continuation of the ongoing Operation Sweep, ensuring that the FCT is rid of all miscreants and criminal elements, because this yuletide season is meant for family and friends to unite and enjoy togetherness.

“But you know, in as much as you have this, you also have the miscreants and criminal elements that also want to bring unwelcome surprises,” he said.

The director of Security said that the minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has given a marching order to the security agencies under Operation Sweep that every form of criminality should be crushed.

“We are going to sustain the monitoring of motor parks and dismantle illegal motor parks too, that can be used as an avenue for ‘one-chance’ syndicates.

“The FCT Police Command has already made a massive deployment. Just a few days ago, the commissioner of Police reeled out the deployment order, and officers have been stationed in strategic areas,” Gwary said.

Regarding other security measures, the head of the Enforcement Unit, FCT Social Development Secretariat, Ukachi Adebayo, said the department has so far evacuated 481 beggars in the last two weeks.

“The beggars arrested are currently in our holding centre. When we apprehend them, we profile them, and we take care of their welfare.

We also train those that want to be trained,” she said.

On his part, the chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Utako Motor Park, Adamu Abubakar, said motorists without proper identity are not allowed to operate in the park.

He pledged to sustain the profiling of all members in the park, especially the new ones.