Wike Vows to End Street Begging in Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has ordered an immediate clampdown on illegal mining camps operating across the territory, describing them as major security threats to Abuja and its residents.
This directive was revealed by the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Saka Adewale, during a press briefing following the FCT Security Committee meeting chaired by the Minister at his Life Camp residence.
According to CP Adewale, the Minister expressed grave concern over the security implications of the rising illegal mining activities around the FCT and directed that all such operations be shut down without delay.
In addition to illegal mining, the Minister also tasked security agencies with addressing other pressing security concerns, including the proliferation of shanties, unrecognized IDP camps, and street begging all of which he said were contributing to urban insecurity.
“He has tasked the service commanders to continue addressing the situation to see that we rid the whole of FCT streets of all these miscreants constituting threats to the environment,” the CP said.
As part of efforts to clean up the city, the CP disclosed that a total of 273 destitutes have been removed from the streets in the past four months under Operation Sweep and relocated to the Social Development Secretariat Centre in Bwari, where they are being cared for and profiled.
He said the operation is ongoing and aims to relocate individuals who have no legitimate business in the FCT. “So many arrests were made within the four months. Their welfare is being taken care of, but they need to be relocated to where they belong,” he added.
Additionally, 670 vehicles have been impounded for traffic-related offences, including driving with tinted windows, covered number plates, and without proper documentation. Offenders involved in drug-related crimes have been handed over to the NDLEA.
On recent clashes between farmers and herders in the Gwagwalada Area Council, CP Adewale confirmed that a peace accord has been signed by all stakeholders, and security presence remains in the area to prevent reprisals.
The FCT Administration says it remains committed to making the capital city safe, orderly, and befitting of its status as the nation’s capital.
“We will rid the FCT of all illegalities—mining, begging, shanties, and unregulated settlements. Abuja must be safe and clean,” the Minister emphasized.
