Hundreds of beggars and mentally challenged people removed from Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Administration has taken action to clear beggars and mentally challenged persons from the streets of Abuja. Mrs Ukachi Adebayo, Head of Enforcement at the FCT Social Development Secretariat, said the operation was ongoing and involved collaboration with state governments. The exercise, known as Operation Sweep Abuja Clean, aims to counsel, profile, and return these individuals to their home states for rehabilitation. Dr Peter Olumuji and Mrs Gloria Onwuka also highlighted the security risks and exploitation associated with street begging.
What we know
- From July 2025 to date, 607 beggars and mentally challenged persons have been removed from Abuja streets.
- Mrs Ukachi Adebayo stated that 583 were beggars and 23 were mentally challenged individuals.
- The operation involves counseling, profiling, and returning individuals to their respective states through liaison offices.
- Mrs Gloria Onwuka revealed that some children begging are brought in by unidentified individuals and are not with their biological mothers.
- Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister, declared war on street begging in October 2024, citing security concerns and the negative image for Abuja.
