Ondopress
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has arrested no fewer than 210 persons for engaging in street begging and suspected criminal activities in a renewed effort to sanitize Abuja.
The exercise, carried out by the Social Development Secretariat (SDS), targeted major streets and intersections where begging and loitering have become rampant.
Acting Director of the Social Welfare Department, Mrs. Gloria Onwuka, disclosed this during the formal handover of the arrested individuals at the Vocational and Rehabilitation Centre in Bwari Area Council.
Onwuka explained that the move was part of ongoing strategies by the FCTA to restore order and maintain Abuja’s status as the nationβs capital. She noted that the presence of street beggars, especially at strategic spots, poses both security and environmental risks.
According to her, βWe cannot continue to allow the city to be taken over by street beggars. Beyond the nuisance, some of them have been found to be involved in criminal activities.β
She assured that those found without legitimate cause would be rehabilitated and reintegrated into society, while others may face prosecution depending on the outcome of investigations.
Officials of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies were involved in the operation. The FCTA reiterated its commitment to sustaining the exercise until sanity is restored across the FCT.