By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Task Force on Operation Sweep has vowed the enforcement of zero tolerance for miscreants and activities of criminals in the territory during the Yuletide season of Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The FCT task force commenced operation on Monday with visits to flash key locations, including Apo Bridge, Area 1 Roundabout, Julius Berger Junction, and Utako Motor Park, to sensitize operators on the need to strengthen security and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
Leader of the exercise, Director of the Department of Security Services, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Adamu Gwary, represented by Dr. Olumiji Peter, said the administration, in collaboration with security agencies, has deployed officers to identified black spots to ensure adequate protection of lives and property throughout the festive season.
He charged motor parks and event center operators to prevent individuals, particularly motorists, who could not provide valid means of identifying themselves.
“We are going around the city in continuation of the ongoing Operation Sweep to ensure that the FCTA is rid of miscreants and criminal elements. The yuletide season is meant for families and friends to unite and enjoy togetherness.”
“Unfortunately, criminal elements also try to take advantage of such periods. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has given a marching order that all forms of criminality must be crushed,” he said.
According to Gwary, the task force would sustain the monitoring of motor parks and dismantle illegal parks often used by “one-chance” syndicates, adding that the FCT Police Command had already carried out massive deployment of officers to strategic locations across the city.
Highlighting other security-related interventions, the Head of the Enforcement Unit of the FCT Social Development Secretariat, Ukachi Adebayo, disclosed that 181 beggars had been evacuated from the streets within the last two weeks.
“The beggars apprehended are currently in our holding center. We profile them, cater to their welfare, and train those who are willing to acquire skills,” she said.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Utako Motor Park, Adamu Abubakar, assured that motorists without proper identification were not allowed to operate in the park.
He promised that the union would continue to profile all members, especially new entrants, to support the FCTA’s efforts at ensuring a safe and peaceful yuletide season in Abuja.
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