The Federal Capital Territory Administration has expressed deep concern over the increasing involvement of beggars and destitute individuals in criminal networks, particularly in the transportation of illicit drugs across Abuja. This was disclosed by the Secretary of the FCT Command and Control Centre, Peter Olumuji, on Monday, May 18, 2026, during the ongoing enforcement exercise known as Operation Sweep.
According to Olumuji, security intelligence indicates that vulnerable persons are being deliberately exploited by criminal elements. He stated that street beggars and persons with disabilities are increasingly being used as couriers for illegal substances, especially at night.
“The sad thing is that, as vulnerable as they have become, they have also become a useful tool in the hands of criminal elements,” Olumuji said. “From intelligence we have gathered over time, they use them to courier illicit drugs, especially at night.”
He added that this tactic is designed to evade suspicion from security operatives. “Who would suspect that a physically challenged person could courier illicit drugs? But they use them to do that,” he remarked.
Olumuji also expressed concern that some of those targeted in the enforcement operations are allegedly being used as informants by criminal gangs operating within the FCT. He further noted that enforcement teams have, in some instances, encountered resistance during raids, with suspects reportedly attacking officials using walking canes and other mobility aids.
The FCTA stated that the ongoing operation is part of broader efforts to curb street begging, improve public order, and strengthen security across the city. The Head of FCT Enforcement, Ulkacha Adebayo, revealed that 54 persons were evacuated during Monday’s operation, comprising 45 adults and nine children.
“In the past three months, we were able to evacuate about 835 of them. So, if we add it to the number we have now, it’s about 889,” Adebayo said.
She explained that those removed from the streets are being profiled and taken to government rehabilitation centres, where they are expected to receive welfare support and vocational training. She added that the exercise is ongoing in key parts of the capital, including Maitama, Asokoro, Garki, Wuse, and Gwarinpa, and will continue under directives from the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
