Wike addressed his position during a live media briefing on Wednesday, November 13, emphasizing that security concerns were the primary reason behind the recent crackdown.

“Abuja is not meant to be a beggar’s city,” the former Rivers State governor stated, responding to public criticism regarding the sweep.

While critics argue that the move is unnecessary, particularly given Nigeria’s economic struggles and the prevalence of begging as a result of limited opportunities, Wike dismissed poverty as a valid excuse. He pointed out the security risks associated with an unchecked presence of beggars on the streets.

“There is no place in the world where employment has been provided for everyone,” he said.

He also highlighted potential security threats, including the possibility that some beggars may be acting as informants for terrorists.

“We are talking about security threats, and they are using poverty as an excuse. We should not allow poverty to justify security threats,” he remarked.

Wike further stressed the danger of individuals who might be pretending to be beggars while secretly gathering information for criminal activities. “You could see someone sitting outside your house, acting like a beggar, but actually functioning as an informant,” he warned.

He reiterated that the crackdown is part of a broader strategy to improve security in Abuja and prevent criminal elements from exploiting vulnerable situations.

The Minister’s statements underline his commitment to tackling security challenges, even as the debate over poverty and security in Nigeria continues to evolve.

Happie Boys, the two young men sponsored abroad by Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere of Omega Power Ministries, have admitted to being ungrateful. In a recent video, they acknowledged their mistakes, which caused Nigerians to turn against them.

According to the duo, they now realize their errors and have embraced a changed life after being deported back to Nigeria from Cyprus.

The formerly popular Happie Boys initially gained attention after a video of them dancing at their workplace went viral. Their employers, displeased with their behavior, fired them, viewing the dance as unprofessional.

Their story touched many Nigerians, eventually reaching Apostle Chibuzor, who stepped in to assist them.

Troops from the 93 Battalion of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division, under Operation SAFE HAVEN, successfully repelled a bandit attack on the Chanchanji community in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Security expert Zagazola Makama revealed that the attack, which occurred at about 10:30 am on November 13, 2024, was reportedly a retaliatory strike by bandits in response to the recent arrest of 12 suspects from the area.

It should be recalled that on November 9, Nigerian Army troops apprehended 12 suspected kidnappers in the same community, seizing 14 motorcycles, a pistol, and two bags of Indian hemp.

In the latest operation, the troops engaged the bandits, forcing them to flee. One bandit was neutralized, and the soldiers recovered several items, including an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 12 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a Motorola handheld radio