FCTA restricts street begging and ‘one chance’ operators in Abuja – News – The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has intensified security measures for the festive season by arresting seven street beggars and cracking down on “one chance” rip-off operators in Abuja.

The Director of Security Services, FCTA, Mr. Adamu Gwary, represented by the Secretary, Command and Control Centre, Dr Peter Olumuji, disclosed this following a special operation launched on Monday.

The beggars were handed over to the Social Development Secretariat for profiling. A suspect impersonating a police officer was also arrested with a domestically produced knife found in his vehicle. He was handed over to the police for further investigation.

Gwary explained that the operation supports the ongoing efforts of the police and other security agencies to eliminate criminals posing as commercial drivers.

The FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) has seized several vehicles suspected of being used in “one chance” operations. Gwary emphasized the importance of being careful during the festive period and urged them to share vehicle details with family or friends, especially at night.

Ms. Deborah Osho, Head of DRTS Operations, stated that the focus is on evening and night operations where criminals often target unsuspecting travellers. More than 30 vehicles were seized on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Chief Social Assistance Officer, Mr. Mustapha Yunusa, described the operation as successful, pointing to a significant decrease in street begging around the Millet Mosque. He outlined plans to rehabilitate trainable beggars and reunite others with their families.