…Picks 34 persons
Following the recent ministerial directive for beggars and scavengers to leave the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a joint security team yesterday detained 34 individuals – 15 beggars and 19 scavengers – across various areas in Abuja.
The operation, part of a ministerial directive aimed at clearing the city of such activities, was carried out by a joint task force involving the Police, Military, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other agencies.
Director of Security for the FCT Administration, Adamu Gwary, said the operation would run both day and night for maximum impact.
Represented by Dr. Peter Olumuji, he outlined that the operation had divided Abuja into four zones, covering city areas such as the metro, airport road, Kubwa axis, and Asokoro. He said, “We have the metro, which is the city centre: and we have the last group that covers Asokoro, A.Y.A, Nyanya, Karu, and Jikwoyi”, adding that many beggars had gone into hiding, but that 34 individuals were still apprehended.
The FCT Administration said it plans to transfer the detainees to its rehabilitation centre for vocational training. However, those unwilling to participate in the training, it said, would be sent back to their home States.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, termed the operation a “national assignment”, and urged officers to remain professional yet firm in enforcing the ministerial orders. “This operation will last for the first two weeks. We will come back and assess our achievements, then we will go back if there is a need for us to continue it”, he stated.
Head of Enforcement at the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, Kaka Bello, highlighted the scope of the operation, noting it targeted more than just beggars, saying: “The operation is not just about beggars, but ridding the city of every nuisance”.
Also, Director of Social Welfare, Dr. Sani Rabe, said those detained would be profiled at a rehabilitation centre, where they might learn skills for empowerment, while those unwilling would be returned to their States.
