Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has removed 607 beggars and mentally challenged individuals from the streets of Abuja between July 2025 and date, in a move aimed at enhancing security and city aesthetics.
Mrs. Ukachi Adebayo, Head of Enforcement at the FCT Social Development Secretariat (SDS), disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, noting that the operation was carried out by the Operation Sweep Abuja Clean team.
According to Adebayo, 583 of those evacuated were beggars, while 23 were mentally challenged individuals. They were counselled, profiled, and returned to their respective states in collaboration with state liaison offices for rehabilitation.
“The more you take them out, the more they resurface. Some were fleeing insecurity in their states and sought refuge in Abuja, but we will continue to apprehend and return them,” she said.
Mrs. Gloria Onwuka, acting Director of Social Welfare at SDS, added that some children begging on the streets were trafficked from other states by adults who collect the proceeds. “Begging is now run like a business. Many women caught with children begging on the streets were not their biological children,” she said.
Dr. Peter Olumuji, Secretary of the FCTA Command and Control Centre, emphasized that Operation Sweep is a joint effort of security agencies and FCTA departments, launched under the directive of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The initiative targets beggars, scavengers, miscreants, and other criminal elements.
“Beggars pose security threats, sometimes acting as informants for criminals. They also deface the beauty of our capital city and can become victims of kidnapping and other crimes,” Olumuji explained.
The operation follows Minister Wike’s October 2024 declaration of war on beggars in Abuja, citing concerns that the capital was increasingly turning into a “beggar’s city.” Wike had warned families to take responsibility for relatives on the streets, stressing that some beggars may actually be criminals in disguise.
The FCTA has assured that the crackdown will continue until Abuja’s streets are cleared and residents can enjoy peace and security.
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