The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) marked a significant milestone in its fight against urban criminality as the Federal High Court dismissed a ₦500 million lawsuit challenging recent enforcement actions against scavengers, street traders, and beggars in the city.
The court’s ruling, viewed as a major legal win for the FCT Administration under Minister Nyesom Wike, affirmed the legitimacy of ongoing crackdowns aimed at curbing public nuisance and safeguarding infrastructure.
The judgment was widely celebrated by security agencies and city officials, who say it will aid their efforts to address vandalism, theft, and unsafe street conditions.
“The judgment is a boost to police efforts to curb vandalism of public infrastructure,” said FCT Commissioner of Police, Adewale Saka Ajao.
The dismissed suit—filed by lawyer Abba Hikima in November 2024—had accused the government of human rights violations, including unlawful arrests and harassment of vulnerable populations.
However, the court ruled that granting such relief would “turn the capital city into a haven of unwanted and unwholesome activities,” underscoring the security and environmental risks posed by unregulated street activity.
Just days prior, Minister Wike had launched Operation Sweep Abuja Clean, a citywide campaign targeting areas prone to “one chance” robberies and street-level insecurity. The exercise deploys a joint task force comprising police, civil defence, and state security agents to remove individuals deemed threats to public safety. Detainees are handed over to their home states for rehabilitation and monitoring.
Security experts point to a sharp decline in incidents like manhole cover theft and street loitering since the operation began. Open manholes had previously resulted in multiple vehicular accidents and posed serious safety hazards.
CP Ajao added, “This move is not just about enforcement; it is about reclaiming the capital for law-abiding citizens… a collective gain for residents who have suffered at the hands of those hiding behind poverty to commit crimes.”
Critics argue the policy targets the underprivileged, but officials maintain that the broader public interest and civic order justify the measures. The court’s ruling also reaffirms the scope of the Abuja Environmental Protection Act, which empowers authorities to maintain hygiene and prevent environmental degradation.
According to the FCTA, those relocated will receive support from state agencies, signalling that the crackdown is as much about rehabilitation as it is about deterrence.
With the legal foundation now strengthened, enforcement agencies are expected to press forward more decisively in their mission to create a cleaner, safer capital.
