At least 675 vehicles have been impounded, while 273 beggars were apprehended in Abuja as part of Operation Sweep Abuja, which commenced on July 7.

The police commissioner in the FCT, Ajao Adewale, told journalists at a news conference on the outcome of the FCT Security Committee meeting, chaired by FCT minister Nyesom Wike, in Abuja on Tuesday.

Mr Adewale explained that the 273 beggars and destitutes were currently being profiled, adding that some of them would be repatriated back to their respective states.

“In the course of this operation, we had offences that relate to drug peddling, to crime, and those that have to do with illegal begging. All the ones that fall within illegal begging on the roads have been taken care of by the FCT Social Development Secretariat. For those offences that relate to drug peddling, those ones have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency,” he said.

The police chief added that the 675 vehicles impounded were for improper documentation, tinted glasses, covered number plates, and other offences. He added that a number of the vehicles were also impounded for operating illegal taxi services associated with “one chance”, posing as taxi operators to lure commuters and seize their belongings.

“What we are doing for now is to increase the visibility of our security personnel at bus stops and all the places where they pick their targets. We are equally encouraging residents to key into the idea of boarding vehicles at the designated bus stops, preferably in groups, and to be security conscious when boarding vehicles,” the police boss said.

Mr Adewale said that the security committee had rated the operation as “very successful” and had advised that the exercise continue. He added that the FCT minister equally directed security agencies to address the issue of shanties that had been springing up across the nation’s capital city.

“The minister also directed that we rid the FCT of prostitutes, beggars, and all other miscreants that constitute a threat to the environment,” he added.

Mr Adewale said the FCT minister had directed all illegal mining sites and illegal Internally Displaced Persons camps to be shut over security concerns. He stressed that traffic-related offences, which equally contribute to crime in the city, would be decisively dealt with.

The police boss identified some of the offences as driving with covered number plates and driving against the traffic.

“There is going to be a total clampdown on these offenders. The directive has been given and we are rolling out for full implementation,” he said.

Speaking on the recent clash between farmers and herders in the Gwagwalada Area Council, the commissioner of police said that the issue had been laid to rest. He explained that the parties involved had signed a peace accord to ensure permanent peace in the affected communities. 

(NAN)