In response to recent directives, the Federal Capital Territory Administration has launched an extensive operation to remove beggars, scavengers, and street vendors from Abuja.
The initiative, a coordinated effort by a joint task force, led to the detention of 34 individuals on Monday across key locations within the capital.
The operation, spearheaded by the Police, Military, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other paramilitary units, targeted specific areas: the city centre, the airport road corridor, Kubwa-Gwarinpa axis, and Asokoro-Nyanya-Karu corridor.
Describing the enforcement as a “national assignment,” Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu urged officers to proceed with “professionalism and resolve,” adding, “We will return to assess our progress, and we’ll continue if further action is required.”
The FCTA aims to sustain the operation over two weeks, with teams active both day and night. Director of Security Adamu Gwary explained that the operation will involve comprehensive sweeps across multiple zones.
“Our coverage spans from the city centre to the airport road, through Kubwa and Gwarinpa up to Dei Dei, and includes areas like Asokoro, AYA, Nyanya, Karu, and Jikwoyi,” he noted.
Among those detained were 15 beggars and 19 scavengers, with officials reporting that many others had gone into hiding following the ministerial directive.
Gwary added, “We’ve observed that some individuals heard the minister’s directive and have avoided detection, though a few continue to challenge the mandate.”
The FCTA plans to relocate those detained to its rehabilitation facility in Kuchikon, Bwari Area Council, where they will be assessed and offered skill acquisition programs.
Dr. Sani Rabe, FCTA Director of Social Welfare, noted that vocational training would be available to individuals willing to participate, while others would be repatriated to their home states.
According to, Head of Enforcement at the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, Kaka Bello this operation aligns with broader efforts to clear the capital of “street nuisances, including unauthorized vendors and technicians occupying public spaces.”
