The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced a crackdown on beggars in Abuja, citing concerns over the city’s image and security.

Speaking at the launch of a road construction project, Wike declared that Abuja was at risk of becoming a “beggars’ city.”

He urged citizens to intervene if they know beggars, as authorities plan to remove them starting next week. Wike emphasized that some individuals posing as beggars may actually be criminals, raising security concerns. He stated, “It’s embarrassing for visitors to see beggars first,” and highlighted that ensuring public safety is the priority, even if the decision upsets some residents.