By Pius Awunah
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Taskforce has impounded over 280 vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles in an operation aimed at riding the capital city and its environs of criminal activities.
Director of Security, FCDA,Mr.Adamu Gwary, who announced this while speaking with journalists on Monday (July 24,2025) after a night raid, said security and traffic agencies had in the past week, combed black spots across Abuja impounding vehicles with covered plates, arresting beggars, scavengers and removing illegal commercial operators from the roads.
The operation code named: Operation Sweep Abuja Clean is part of an intensified effort to rid the nation’s capital of crimes, clamp down on unregistered vehicles and ensure commuters’ safety.
Gwary, who was represented by Dr. Peter Olumuji, said the ongoing operation had already netted hundreds of traffic violators across the territory.
“For the traffic offenses, we have over 40 vehicles that have been impounded. For the commercial motorcycles that have also been aiding criminal elements through route violation, we have impounded over 200 of that. And the tricycle which is popularly called Keke Napep, we have over 40 also that have been impounded by the traffic agencies,” he said.
He explained that the taskforce was acting on the directive of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who had warned against allowing the capital to slide into chaos due to unchecked crimes and growing lawlessness.
Olumuji said taxi cabs operating without proper colours or number plates were also being taken off the road and handed over for prosecution.“Vehicles that are not registered to ply the FCT road have been impounded. Those with cover plate numbers have also been impounded by the traffic agencies. The exercise is to checkmate crime rates within the FCT, which its residents have been clamoring for,” he added.
He said beggars and destitute arrested during the sweep were being profiled at the Bwari rehabilitation centre, after which some are enrolled in vocational training, while others are repatriated to their states of origin.“For those who are involved in scavenging, we also noticed that some of them are into criminal activities. The Nigerian police do the investigation. They profile them and investigate them thoroughly.”
He also dismissed reports suggesting a spike in One Chance robberies in the city. While confirming that recent cases were under police investigation, he said the taskforce is actively targeting suspicious vehicles and drivers.
He said surprise raids have been carried out in Life Camp, Asokoro, Wuse, Area 1, and other locations, making the city increasingly hostile for criminals.
