FCTA clears kidnappers’ hideout in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Monday cleared Kobi Forest, which was allegedly being used as hideout by suspected kidnappers terrorizing some villages close to Asokoro and Guzape districts of Abuja. Security operatives have identified the hilly forest as a transit route and hideout for criminals terrorizing the nation’s capital. Abuja Metro reports that […]

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Monday cleared Kobi Forest, which was allegedly being used as hideout by suspected kidnappers terrorizing some villages close to Asokoro and Guzape districts of Abuja.

Security operatives have identified the hilly forest as a transit route and hideout for criminals terrorizing the nation’s capital.

Abuja Metro reports that the clearance exercise came barely eight days after a group of kidnappers struck at Kobi and Paduma 3 villages, killing a vigilante commander named Bello. They also kidnapped two other villagers who were immediately rescued by a team of crack police led by the FCT Police Commissioner, Ajao Adewale.

Speaking at the commencement of the clearing exercise on Monday, the Director of Development Control, Muktar Galadinma, said the exercise was aimed at frustrating the evil plans of the kidnappers.

Galadinma said the kidnappers who struck Kobi and Paduma 3 villages last Monday were chased down to the forest, where the police team rescued the two kidnapped victims while the vigilante commander paid a supreme price.

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“The purpose of our visit to this site is to clear this forest, which has become an ungoverned space. About a week ago, there was a reported case of kidnapping, and the suspects were traced to this area. In the course of the rescue attempt, one of the vigilante officers lost his life. That is why we are here this morning—to ensure all the trees are brought down.”

The Development Control director noted that the villagers had earlier given their consent to remove the cashew forest to pave the way for effective surveillance.

He said the security of life and property of people is of ultimate priority at the present time over compensation.

“I’ve just been informed by the representative of the village chief that they support this action and will cooperate with us in clearing everything because they too have been victims of the situation. They are not asking for compensation, only for total clearance of the trees,” he said.

He also maintained that all the shanties around the villages would also be removed and suggested a police post for the area.

“In many areas around the fringes of Abuja, we see similar situations where trees and forests are used as cover. This exercise is not limited to this community alone. A few weeks ago, we started clearing plantations in places like Apo Resettlement, where we cleared over two hectares, and also at Apo Guzape. And last year, we cleared the Mabushi Scavengers Colony, where the trees were being used as a form of shelter. So this effort is not confined to the city center; it extends beyond it,” he added.

He revealed that the security committee is making recommendations to the FCT Administration on the possible steps needed to curtail the criminal activities in the area.

“We will make recommendations to the FCT Administration. Agencies like the Directorate of Rural Services, the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, and the police may be stationed here. Arrangements can be made to ensure this corridor is properly maintained.”

On his part, Director of FCT Security Services Department, Adam Gwari, represented by the secretary, FCT command and control, Dr. Peter Olumiji, said the FCT administration is using drone surveillance technology to monitor uncovered spaces in and around the FCT, including forests in the villages. He explained that the drones work twenty-four hours a day.

He noted that as part of measures to secure the area, a 24-hour police post will be established to secure the environment, along with solar-powered streetlights.

“As the director has explained, this forest is a major transit route for kidnapping activities. From here, criminals can move to Karu, Jikwoyi, Orozo, and Kurudu. The Police Commissioner has already surveyed these routes, which is why we are here now to clear this area.”

Gwari noted that security agencies are already carrying out an investigation to uncover more about the incident that happened on September 15 in the village.

“When security agencies say an investigation is ongoing, it means they are using every tool available—carrying out surveillance and gathering intelligence even within the villages to identify informants. That’s part of what has led to the successes so far,” he said.

The Director of FCT Security Services said the forest leads to Jikwoyi, Karu, Oronzo, and Kurudu, among other places, making the villages vulnerable to kidnapping activities.

Iliya Iwadagba, one of the residents of Kobi, who narrated his ordeal, said they had been living peacefully without fear of kidnappers.

“We did not experience this kind of thing. But five years back now, some unwanted people started coming here, and we could no longer pass this route because anytime in the evening when you pass there, people will just come out from the bush around us and attack you,” he narrated.

He explained how the suspected kidnappers have been operating on the road that connects Kobi and Kpaduma villages, adding that two people were recently killed inside their cars while returning from work at night, while some were forcefully taken away.

“They killed one man and left his car, they kidnapped one man and left his car, and just recently our vigilante, while trying to secure the area, they came out and shot them,” he added.