In a sweeping operation to rid Nigeria’s capital of street begging and related criminality, authorities in Abuja have arrested more than 200 people in recent raids across the city.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through its Social Development Secretariat, confirmed the arrests, stating that the move forms part of wider efforts to “sanitise the city and restore order.”
Speaking at the Vocational and Rehabilitation Centre in Bwari Area Council, on Friday, where the apprehended individuals were officially handed over, Acting Director of the Social Welfare Department, Gloria Onwuka, said:
“We have apprehended 210 persons involved in street begging and suspected criminal activities. This operation is to ensure that the streets of Abuja are free from nuisance and potential security threats.”
She added that the crackdown would continue as part of measures to enforce laws prohibiting street begging within the capital territory.
“We will not relent in our mandate to rehabilitate and reintegrate genuine cases while also protecting residents from those who exploit begging for criminal intents,” she noted.
The FCTA has in recent years intensified its campaign to rid the city of street beggars amid rising concerns over security and urban order.
