The Federal Capital Territory Taskforce has impounded over 280 vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles for aiding crime in the nation’s capital.

The raids, which started at Area 3 Junction, Area 1 Roundabout, were later extended to the ever busy AYA Roundabout.

The Director, Department of Security Services FCT Administration Adamu Gwary, said over 40 vehicles have been impounded for traffic offences and erring in the area of registration.

Gwary revealed that over 200 commercial motorcycles were also apprehended for helping criminal elements through route violation.

Represented by Peter Olumuji, during the day five of “‘Operation sweep Abuja”, the director explained that more than 40 tricycles popularly known as Keke Napep have also been impounded by the team.

He said Operation Sweep, which is a multi-agency anti-crime squad endorsed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, will continue to ensure that all nuisances and emerging crimes within the territory are tackled.

The Director said considering Abuja as one of the safest places to reside in the country, it has made so many people to migrate into the capital, paving way for different impacts.

He said all those arrested during the operation will be profiled accordingly, especially beggars and the destitute

Gwary said, “All these things will help to checkmate crime rates within the FCT, which the residents have been clamoring for. And they are happy that this operation has started, and is yielding positive results in the territory.

“Everybody knows that FCT is the safest place you can reside in Nigeria as of today. And that has made so many people migrate into the territory.

This also has its own negative implications because the infrastructure has been overstretched.People with questionable characters have also been able to come into the capital. And that is why anywhere around the world there is always this continuous mop-up exercise to keep the city clean.

“For the traffic offences, we have over 40 vehicles that have been impounded. We also have those that have violated the registration. Those that are running commercials but they are not painted, the VIO have also been able to apprehend some.

“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 that have been impounded by the traffic agencies.

“All those who are found wanting, the police are also going to prosecute them accordingly. And that is why it is a multi-agency anti-crime squad.”