By Pius Awunah
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), on Tuesday,August 5,2025, announced the arrest of over 273 destitutes and seizure of over 670 vehicles in its ongoing Operation Sweep exercise.
The FCT Commissioner of Police,Ajao Saka Adewale,made the announcement at a briefing for journalists after a security meeting, presided over by the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike in Abuja.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, who spoke on behalf of other security agencies present at the meeting, said that the over 273 destitutes arrested were at the Social Development Centre, located in Bwari, Abuja.
He lamented the number of illegal shanties, beggers, miscreants, and illegal minning sites in the city centre describjng these as unacceptable.
According to him, it was agreed at the meeting that the team of ‘Operation Sweep’ should continue with its operations.
”In view of this, all the beggers and miscreants would be taken off Abuja roads, illegal mining sites would be shut down and all illegal Internally Displaced Person’s Camp (IDPs) would be relocated.
”It bothers on the issue of general security in the FCT, the gains and pains of the Operation Sweep exercise in the last one month. And from the gains we have recorded, there is a need for us to continue.
“Specifically, the issue of shanties springing up everywhere in FCT is of concern and importance.
“Also, the issue of beggers and destitutes. The FCT Minister has asked the commanders to continue. We want to remove all the beggers and destitutes from the streets.
“The issue of illegal mining was also discussed and was agreed that they must be shut down in the FCT. And the fact that some people coming together and calling themselves IDPs, such is not recognised in the FCT.Already, a place has been identified where people need to be profiled, and if you have to be there, we will allow you but if you do not have any reason to be here, we will relocate you”, he stated.
On the number of people arrested and vehicles impounded, he said, “So many arrests were made and as we speak more than 273 destitutes are in Bwari undergoing profiling.”Within the same period, more than 670 vehicles were impounded,as a result of improper documentation, tinted glasses, covered number plates, and operating without appropriate authority.
He also warned against traffic offences as the act would no longer be tolerated especially those driving against traffic, beating traffic lights and covering number plates.
“These are life threatening and we will clamp down on offenders and document them,” he said.
