The Federal Capital Territory Administration has launched a major security offensive, deploying aerial drones and clearing notorious forests in a comprehensive effort to dismantle criminal networks across Abuja.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike ordered the immediate clearance of Kobi Forest, a known kidnappers’ den linked to recent abductions in Guzape and Asokoro Village. The operation follows the September 15 kidnapping of two villagers and the killing of a vigilante commander during a rescue attempt.
Director of Development Control Muktar Galadima, who supervised the forest clearance, stated: “This forest has become an ungoverned space and a base for criminal activities. Clearing it will deny them cover.” The operation will remove all trees, shanties, and makeshift structures, with plans to establish a permanent police outpost in the area.
In a technological upgrade to security operations, the FCTA has deployed drone surveillance for 24/7 monitoring of high-risk areas. Secretary of the FCT Command and Control Centre Dr. Peter Olumiji confirmed that “drones are already operational in high-risk corridors and will complement ground security operations.”
The security crackdown extends to transportation, with over 700 vehicles and motorcycles used for crimes like “one chance” robberies impounded and crushed in the past five months. Mandate Secretary for Transport Chinede Elechi warned: “The FCTA cannot fold its arms while residents are exposed to preventable danger,” adding that the administration is implementing driver profiling, taxi registration, and new bus terminals to sanitize the transport sector.
Local residents welcomed the measures, with Kobi resident Iliya Iwadagba recalling: “Five years ago, we could walk these roads freely. Now, it’s a nightmare.”
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