Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has raised concerns over the alleged exploitation of beggars and vulnerable persons by criminal networks to transport illicit drugs across parts of Abuja. The Secretary of the FCT Command and Control Centre, Dr. Peter Olumuji, stated that security intelligence indicates increasing use of destitute persons for criminal activities. He said street beggars and persons with disabilities were being deliberately recruited as drug couriers, particularly for night-time operations aimed at avoiding security detection.
“From intelligence we have gathered over time, they use them to courier illicit drugs, especially at night. Who would suspect that a physically challenged person could courier illicit drugs? But they use them to do that,” Olumuji said. He added that the tactic was designed to evade suspicion from security operatives. The FCTA further disclosed that beggars were also being used as informants for criminal gangs operating within the FCT, thereby posing additional security threats to residents. This was revealed during the ongoing enforcement exercise tagged “Operation Sweep,” aimed at removing beggars, scavengers and other vulnerable persons from the streets of the nation’s capital.
The development comes as the FCTA intensified efforts to sanitise the city and address growing public concern over street begging and insecurity. Enforcement personnel have reportedly encountered resistance during operations, with suspects allegedly attacking officials using walking canes and other mobility aids. During Monday’s operation, 54 persons, comprising 45 adults and nine children, were evacuated from the streets. The FCTA has removed a total of 889 destitute persons from various parts of Abuja within the last three months. Those evacuated are being profiled and taken to government rehabilitation centres for welfare support and vocational training.
The exercise is part of ongoing efforts by the FCTA to maintain orderliness and improve security across the capital city. Areas already covered under the operation include Maitama, Asokoro, Garki, Wuse and Gwarinpa. Officials said the exercise would continue on a sustained basis under the directive of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
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