FCTA raises alarm over beggars used as drug couriers b

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has raised concerns over the growing use of beggars and destitute persons as couriers for illicit drugs across Abuja.

The Secretary of the FCT Command and Control Centre, Peter Olumuji, disclosed this on Monday during the ongoing enforcement exercise tagged Operation Sweep.

According to him, security intelligence gathered by the administration showed that criminal elements were increasingly exploiting vulnerable persons, including people with disabilities, to transport illegal substances across the city.

He said: “The sad thing is that, as vulnerable as they have become, they have also become a useful tool in the hands of criminal elements.

“From intelligence we have gathered over time, they use them to courier illicit drugs, especially at night.”

Olumuji said the tactic was aimed at avoiding suspicion from security operatives.

“Who would suspect that a physically challenged person could courier illicit drugs? But they use them to do that,” he added.

The FCT official also alleged that some of those affected by the ongoing enforcement exercise were being used as informants by criminal gangs operating within the capital city.

He further disclosed that enforcement officials had encountered resistance during some operations, with suspects allegedly attacking operatives using walking canes and other mobility aids.

The administration said the operation formed part of broader efforts to tackle street begging, improve public order and strengthen security within Abuja.

Head of FCT Enforcement, Ulkacha Adebayo, said 54 persons comprising 45 adults and nine children were evacuated during Monday’s operation.

She said: “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 explained that those removed from the streets were being profiled and transferred to government rehabilitation centres for welfare support and vocational training.

She added that the exercise was ongoing in areas including Maitama, Asokoro, Garki, Wuse and Gwarinpa under the directive of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The FCTA has continued periodic enforcement operations in Abuja as authorities battle increasing street begging linked to poverty, displacement and urban inequality.