Police Crack Down on Beggars and Scavengers in Abuja; See the Numbers of Beggars and Scavengers Arrested
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Commissioner, Olatunji Disu, has announced the arrest of 15 beggars and 19 scavengers from the streets of Abuja. This operation took place following a directive from Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, who previously condemned the presence of these individuals as “embarrassing.”
On October 22, Wike ordered the removal of beggars and scavengers from the capital, citing security concerns and suggesting that some could potentially be criminals or informants.
After the operation, Commissioner Disu explained that the arrests were executed in accordance with the minister’s orders. The joint operation involved the police, military, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other paramilitary organizations.
Disu indicated that this initiative is part of a broader strategy, including a two-week clampdown aimed at reassessing and revitalizing the approach to street crime and public order.
Adamu Gwary, the DSS director in the FCT, mentioned that operations would be conducted both day and night to ensure effectiveness. The arrests occurred in various locations, including Airport Road, Kubwa, Gwarimpa, Dei Dei, Asokoro, AYA, Nyanya, Karu, and Jikwoyi.
Additionally, Kaka Bello, head of enforcement at the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), stated that the goal of the operation is to clean up the city, which will also involve relocating roadside traders and illegal t
echnicians.
