The Social Development Secretariat (SDS) in FCT, Abuja, has confirmed the arrest of at least 27 commercial sex workers in brothels and has handed them over to security officials.
This information was disclosed to the news media by the Acting Director of Social Welfare Services, FCT, Sani Amar, who stated that "The arrest is part of efforts to safeguard the health of residents in the territory".
Amar, whose actions resulted from the directives from the FCT Minister, Ramatu Tijani Aliyu, also said he had led a team of security personnel and an SDS evacuation squad to raid a popular brothel in the Federal Capital Territory. He said, "the FCT Minister of State had directed the social development secretariat to sanitize the area thoroughly."
This action was taken to reiterate the FCTA's total commitment to seeing that the rule of law is in enforcement in the city of Abuja. He added that "No fewer than 27 commercial sex workers had been arrested and handed over to the police for appropriate prosecution."
He further clarified that "The Penal Code of Northern Nigeria, the Immigration Act, and NAPTIP Act that stipulates that operation of a brothel, street commercial sex workings, child abuse, child labor, human trafficking are all forms of criminal activities."
"The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Aliyu and the FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, and the acting Secretary Social Development Secretariat (SDS), Dr. Kevin Ike, are committed to safeguarding the health and lives of the residents," Sani Amar disclosed.
"The minister has declared war against operators of brothels in FCT and given us marching orders to ensure we rid the city of such illegal activities and business."
He concluded, saying, "COVID-19 pandemic is real and a commercial sex operator and their patronizers don't have the luxury of time to check or ensure how healthy they are. Therefore, it is an avenue for easy spread of COVID-19 and the FCT Administration must safeguard the lives and health of residents."
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