By Sarah NEGEDU
More than 280 vehicles, including cars, tricycles, and motorcycles, have been impounded in the Federal Capital Territory as authorities ramp up its clampdown on criminal elements and illegal transport operators in the FCT.
The citywide raids, led by the Operation Sweep Abuja Clean taskforce, is part of an intensified effort to rid the nation’s capital of crimes, clamp down on unregistered vehicles, and ensure commuters’ safety.
Director of Security, Adamu Gwary, who spoke with journalists after night raid, said security and traffic agencies have in the past week, combed black spots across Abuja impounding vehicles with covered plates, arresting beggars, scavengers, and removing illegal commercial operators from the roads.
Gwary, who was represented by Dr Peter Olumuji, said the ongoing operation had already netted hundreds of traffic violators across the territory.
“For the traffic offenses, we have over 40 vehicles that have been impounded. For the commercial motorcycles that have also been aiding criminal elements through route violation, we have impounded over 200 of that. And the tricycle which is popularly called Keke Napep, we have over 40 also that have been impounded by the traffic agencies,” he said.
He explained that the taskforce was acting on the directive of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who had warned against allowing the capital to slide into chaos due to unchecked crimes and growing lawlessness.
Olumuji said taxis operating without proper colours or number plates were also being taken off the road and handed over for prosecution.
“Vehicles that are not registered to ply the FCT road have been impounded. Those with cover plate numbers have also been impounded by the traffic agencies. All these things is to checkmate crime rates within the FCT, which the residents of the FCT have been clamoring for,” he added.
He said beggars and destitute arrested during the sweep were being profiled at the Bwari rehabilitation centre, after which some are enrolled in vocational training, while others are repatriated to their states of origin.
“For those who are involved in scavenging, we also noticed that some of them are into criminal activities. The Nigerian police do the investigation. They profile them and investigate them thoroughly.”
He also dismissed reports suggesting a spike in One Chance robberies in the city. While confirming that recent cases were under police investigation, he said the taskforce is actively targeting suspicious vehicles and drivers.
“Like I made mention of, this operation, Operation Sweep, also has something to do with curbing this menace of One Chance. That is why you see that vehicles that don’t have proper documentation are being impounded and further investigated by the traffic agencies.”
He said surprise raids have been carried out in Life Camp, Asokoro, Wuse, Area 1, and other locations, making the city increasingly hostile for criminals.
