The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has rolled out a major security operation aimed at clearing Abuja of street beggars, illegal traders, scavengers, and criminals, including the notorious “One-Chance” robbery gangs.
The initiative, called “Operation Sweep Abuja,” comes on the orders of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who is pushing to restore order and safety in the nation’s capital.
According to Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister, the operation is backed by the Abuja Environmental Protection Act and other relevant laws.
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He stressed that Abuja should be a symbol of national pride, not a hotspot for crime and urban disorder. “Our capital must be safe, clean, and free from criminals who hide as beggars or scavengers,” Olayinka said.
The operation will be carried out by a Joint Task Force made up of security agencies and FCTA departments. Their mandate includes arresting street beggars, illegal traders, and scavengers, profiling offenders before sending them back to their home states, and dismantling criminal networks—particularly “One-Chance” robbery rings, where criminals pose as taxi drivers to rob unsuspecting passengers.
Authorities are urging residents to stay alert and report any suspicious activities through dedicated hotlines: 08061581938 and 08032003913. “Security is a shared responsibility. With everyone’s cooperation, we can keep Abuja safe,” Olayinka added.
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The crackdown is expected to ramp up in the coming weeks, with increased patrols and stricter enforcement across the city and surrounding towns. The question now is whether this sweeping operation will bring lasting change to Abuja’s security challenges.
