FCTA Removes 607 Beggars, Mentally Challenged Persons from Abuja Streets

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has removed a total of 607 beggars and mentally challenged persons from the streets of Abuja between July 2025 and January 2026 as part of efforts to enhance security and restore order in the nation’s capital.

The Head of Enforcement at the FCT Social Development Secretariat, Mrs Ukachi Adebayo, disclosed this on Monday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. According to her, the exercise was carried out by the Operation Sweep Abuja Clean team.

Adebayo explained that out of the 607 persons evacuated, 583 were beggars while 23 were mentally challenged individuals. She said those apprehended were counselled and profiled before being handed over to their respective state governments through liaison offices for rehabilitation.

“When we apprehend them, we counsel and profile them before taking them to their various liaison offices to be returned to their states, where they are expected to undergo rehabilitation,” she said.

She noted, however, that many of the evacuees often return to the streets, adding that the operation remains ongoing. According to her, insecurity in some states has driven many people to Abuja in search of refuge.

Also speaking, the Acting Director of Social Welfare at the Secretariat, Mrs Gloria Onwuka, revealed that street begging had become an organised business. She said some children seen begging in Abuja were brought from other states by individuals who collect proceeds from them.

“Some of the women begging with children are not their biological mothers. We have caught several cases where children were hired without their families knowing,” Onwuka said.

Meanwhile, the Secretary of the FCTA Command and Control Centre, Dr Peter Olumuji, said Operation Sweep was a joint security initiative involving relevant agencies and was elished by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. He described beggars as potential security threats, noting that some serve as informants to criminals.

Olumuji added that the operation would continue to rid Abuja of beggars, miscreants and other criminal elements, in line with the minister’s directive to ensure safety and preserve the city’s image.