210 Beggars Arrested as Abuja Cleanup Enters Day 4
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has arrested 210 beggars as part of its ongoing operation to clean up Abuja. The exercise, which began on Monday, also targets street traders, scavengers, and other suspected criminals.
Mrs. Gloria Onwuka, Acting Director of Social Welfare at FCTA, gave the update after the fourth day of the operation. She said the arrests followed the orders of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
According to her, the 210 beggars—80 men, 58 women, and 72 children—are now being kept at the Bwari Rehabilitation Centre.
Onwuka also mentioned that some scavengers and suspected criminals like the “one chance” robbers were handed over to the police.
She revealed that most of the beggars caught will be returned to their home states. Some children were brought from states like Kano and Katsina to beg and give the money to the adults who brought them. Shockingly, many women caught begging with children were not even their real mothers.
“Begging has become a business. People rent children from other states and use them to beg in Abuja. The children’s families often don’t know how they are being used,” she said.
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She added that some beggars fake injuries. “One woman said she had breast cancer, but when we removed the bandage, there was no wound at all.”
Mr. Damy Gwary, Director of Security Services at FCTA, said the operation has covered areas like City Centre, Kubwa, Gwarimpa, Asokoro, Garki, and Wuse.
Represented by Dr. Peter Olumuji, he said the presence of beggars and scavengers is a serious concern for Abuja residents and poses a security risk.
He noted that the FCT Minister has directed the police and other security agencies to tackle all threats. He assured the public that the operation will continue until the city is safe and clean.
