The Security Service Department of the Federal Capital Territory Administration has commenced special operations to make Abuja safe throughout the festive season.

The director of the department, Adamu Gwary, disclosed this to journalists at the end of the clampdown on “one chance” operators and beggars on Wednesday evening in Abuja.

Mr Gwary, who was represented by the secretary of the Command and Control Centre, Peter Olumuji, said the operations, which began on Monday, would last throughout the festive season.

“We started on Monday, and we are going to carry it all through the festive period till January next year. This is because, if we do not sustain it, criminal elements will capitalise on any little gap to continue their nefarious activities,” he said.

He explained that the operation, which was being led by the command and control centre, was designed to curb the menace of one-chance operators, illegal motor parks, and beggars in the capital city.

“You know the issue of one chance has been on the front burner in FCT. This operation was designed to support ongoing efforts by the Nigeria police and other security agencies to rid the city of criminals posing as commercial drivers,” he said.

The director added that several suspects have been apprehended during Wednesday’s operation.

He also said that several suspected vehicles used for one-chance operations were impounded by the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) as part of efforts to secure the FCT.

He also said that seven beggars have been apprehended for implementing the ban on street begging in some areas of the federal capital.

Mr Gwary said that the beggars were in the custody of the FCTA’s Social Development Secretariat for profiling and further action.

Deborah Osho, DRTS’ head of operations, said the operation was being conducted in the evening, through the night, because that was the time most of the one-chance syndicates operate.

(NAN)