Wike Orders Swift Evacuation of Street Beggars, Miscreants, and Illegal Traders from Abuja

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has directed the immediate evacuation of street beggars, scavengers, illegal traders, and other suspected criminal elements across Abuja in a new crackdown aimed at restoring order in the city.

The directive was announced on Wednesday via a statement issued by the minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka. According to the statement, the initiative, tagged Operation Sweep Abuja Clean, is being carried out by a Joint Task Force composed of security agencies and relevant departments within the FCT Administration (FCTA).

Wike emphasized that the effort is rooted in the Abuja Environmental Protection Act and other existing laws. He asserted that Abuja, as Nigeria’s capital, should reflect dignity and order—not serve as a haven for street beggars and scavengers, many of whom he described as “agents of criminal elements.”

“To enforce this policy, any individuals caught engaging in street begging, loitering, illegal trading, or scavenging will be apprehended,” the statement read. “Those detained will be profiled and returned to their respective state governments.”

Highlighting the importance of public safety, Wike urged residents to contribute to security efforts by reporting suspicious activity. He added, “Security is my job, your job, and our job.”

Citizens are encouraged to report any concerning behavior through the official security hotlines: 08061581938 and 08032003913.