The Federal Capital Territory Administration has removed 607 beggars and mentally challenged persons from the streets of Abuja since July 2025 as part of ongoing efforts to rid the city of social nuisances and security threats. The Head of Enforcement at the FCT Social Development Secretariat, Mrs Ukachi Adebayo, said the exercise was carried out by the Operation Sweep Abuja Clean team, explaining that those evacuated were counselled, profiled and returned to their states through liaison offices for rehabilitation.

She noted that although many of those removed often return to the streets, the operation remains continuous, as some were driven to Abuja by insecurity in their home states.

Also speaking, Acting Director of Social Welfare at the Secretariat, Mrs Gloria Onwuka, said street begging had increasingly become an organised business, with some individuals bringing children from other states to beg, sometimes using children who were not biologically theirs.

Meanwhile, the Secretary of the FCTA Command and Control Centre, Dr Peter Olumuji, said Operation Sweep was a joint security initiative approved by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to tackle beggars, miscreants and criminal elements, noting that some beggars serve as informants to criminals and pose security risks. He added that the exercise would continue to ensure safety and preserve the image of the nation’s capital.