The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has raised alarm over a growing trend in Abuja where families are renting out their children to beggars, effectively turning begging into a business. Authorities say this disturbing practice is fueling a rising influx of child beggars, many of whom arrive in the city hidden in trailers from the northern parts of the country.
Gloria Onwuka, Acting Director of Social Welfare in the Social Development Secretariat, revealed this during a street sweep operation aimed at clearing beggars and miscreants from the capital. She explained that children as young as eight are being trafficked into the FCT specifically for begging.
So far, 210 beggars have been apprehended across the territory, comprising 80 men, 58 women, and 72 children. Once caught, they are transported to the FCT Vocational and Rehabilitation Centre in Bwari, where they are housed, documented, and returned to their home states. The facility, according to officials, is fully equipped to provide basic care and support.
Onwuka noted that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has issued strict directives to eliminate the presence of beggars and criminals from the capital to safeguard law-abiding residents.
Adamu Gwary, Director of Security Services at FCTA, emphasized that the “Operation SWEEP Abuja Clean” initiative is not only targeting beggars but also tackling rising criminal activity that is making residents feel unsafe. The administration has vowed to sustain these efforts until the streets of Abuja are free from illegal activities and child exploitation.
