Police impound 675 vehicles, arrest 273 Beggars in Operation Sweep Abuja

By EMMANUEL KUJE, Abuja-

FCT Police Command has announced the results of Operation Sweep Abuja, a security operation launched on July 7 in the Federal Capital Territory.

FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, in a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja said the operation led to the impounding of at least 675 vehicles and the apprehension of 273 beggars.

Vehicles were impounded due to offenses like improper documentation, tinted glasses, covered number plates, and operating illegal taxi services associated with “one chance” – where drivers pose as taxi operators to rob passengers.

“What we are doing for now is to increase the visibility of our security personnel at bus stops and all the places where they pick their targets,” Adewale said.

Adewale explained that the 273 beggars are being profiled, with some to be repatriated to their states of origin.

Cases of illegal begging were handled by the FCT Social Development Secretariat, while drug-related offenses were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

“All the ones that fall within illegal begging on the roads have been taken care of by the FCT Social Development Secretariat,” he stated.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike directed security agencies to tackle issues like shanties, prostitutes, beggars, and other miscreants threatening the environment.

Wike also ordered the shutdown of illegal mining sites and Internally Displaced Persons camps due to security concerns.

The security committee deemed Operation Sweep “very successful” and advised its continuation. A total clampdown on traffic offenders, including those driving with covered number plates or against traffic, is underway.

“There is going to be a total clampdown on these offenders,” Adewale emphasized.