Chaos Or Clean-Up? Wike Evicts Street Dwellers and Scavengers In Bold Abuja Move

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a directive for the immediate removal of street beggars, illegal traders, scavengers, one-chance syndicates, and other suspected criminal elements from Abuja.

In a statement released on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike announced the launch of “Operation Sweep Abuja Clean”—a new initiative by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) aimed at eliminating public nuisances and restoring order to the city.

According to the statement, a Joint Task Force made up of security agencies and relevant departments within the FCTA has been mobilized to arrest anyone found begging, loitering, scavenging, or engaging in any activity considered a threat to the safety and wellbeing of residents.

The statement emphasized:

“In accordance with the Abuja Environmental Protection Act and other applicable laws, the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has mandated the immediate evacuation of miscreants, street traders, beggars, scavengers, and criminal elements from the city.”

It added that the nation’s capital must reflect safety, order, and beauty—not serve as a haven for criminal activities disguised as street trade or begging.

Those apprehended will be profiled and repatriated to their respective home states, the FCTA noted, as part of wider efforts to ensure public safety.

The minister urged residents to support the initiative, stating:

“The safety of lives and property in the FCT is a top priority for this administration. Security is not only the government’s job but also a collective responsibility.”