Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has directed security agencies to ramp up surveillance and tighten security operations across Abuja as part of renewed efforts to tackle rising criminal activities in the nation’s capital.
The minister’s directive came as security forces on Tuesday formally resumed Operation Sweep, a joint security exercise involving the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS), and other agencies strategically deployed across the city.
Speaking at the launch, Miller Dantawaye, the FCT commissioner of police, said the minister has provided the logistics and operational backing needed to ensure the operation delivers visible results.
According to him, all service chiefs and the inspector-general of police have also granted full approval for the strengthened exercise, which aims to curb kidnappings, armed robbery and other crimes, particularly ahead of the festive season.
“The FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, has given complete support, especially in terms of logistics for this operation. By the time we leave here today, the funds for fuelling and servicing of vehicles, as well as allowances for personnel, will have dropped into an account we can access”, Dantawaye said.
Dantawaye noted that part of the renewed security push includes profiling individuals found loitering around the city under the guise of begging.
He said security reports have shown that some people posing as beggars are involved in criminal activities.
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“We know that amongst the people who claim to be beggars, some are not exactly beggars. Most come with criminal intent.
“We are going to profile them and take off the streets those who are criminally minded, even if they claim to be beggars”, he said.
He added that the police will work closely with relevant authorities, including the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), to determine appropriate legal measures for managing street begging while ensuring the overall safety of residents and visitors.
