The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has disclosed plans to relocate at least 273 destitute individuals found on the streets of Abuja to their various states of origin, as part of a wider crackdown on insecurity, illegal activities, and environmental nuisances in the nation’s capital.
This was revealed on Monday during a security briefing by the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, following a high-level security meeting chaired by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja.
The briefing highlighted the outcome of the month-long “Operation Sweep” targeted at addressing a range of security concerns in the FCT, including kidnapping, “one chance” robberies, traffic violations, illegal mining, unauthorized IDP camps, street begging, and unregulated commercial transport services.
According to CP Ajao, over 273 destitute persons have been taken to the Bwari rehabilitation centre for profiling and are being catered for ahead of their eventual repatriation to their home states.
“In the course of the operation, several categories of offenders were arrested. Those involved in drug peddling have been handed over to the NDLEA, while beggars and destitute persons are being managed by the Social Development Secretariat (SDS). Profiling is ongoing to ensure that only those with genuine reasons remain in the city,” Ajao said.
On traffic and vehicular violations, he disclosed that over 670 vehicles were impounded within the period for various offenses, including driving with covered number plates, use of tinted glasses without authorization, and operating unregistered ride-hailing services which have been linked to criminal activities such as “one chance” robberies.
“These vehicles were found to be operating illegally — some were linked to ‘one chance’ incidents which are of major concern. We are enforcing proper documentation and zero tolerance for traffic infractions that pose a threat to public safety,” he added.
Ajao also emphasized the Minister’s concern over the proliferation of shanties and illegal mining activities in parts of the FCT, which he said carry grave security implications. “The minister has directed that all illegal mining sites be shut down immediately. Similarly, makeshift settlements and illegal IDP camps will be dismantled, with unauthorized occupants relocated.”
On the recent clashes between herders and farmers in Gwagwalada Area Council, the police commissioner confirmed that the matter had been peacefully resolved through a stakeholders’ meeting and the signing of a peace accord. “Security presence is being maintained in the area to build confidence and prevent a recurrence,” he noted.
Addressing the persistent menace of “one chance” robbery operations, Ajao said measures were being strengthened to secure hotspots, especially bus stops and other vulnerable areas. He urged residents to board vehicles only at designated locations and in groups, stressing the importance of personal security consciousness.
He further revealed that the FCTA is working on improving street lighting across the city to enhance night-time visibility and deter criminal activities. “Illumination in public spaces is a key part of our crime prevention strategy,” he said.
The FCT security architecture, he added, remains fully mobilized for continuous enforcement and safeguarding of lives and property in the capital city.
