The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has issued a directive for the formation of a Special Task Force aimed at eradicating criminal elements concealed within uncompleted structures, abandoned plots of land, and buildings throughout the FCT.
Mr. Adamu Gwary, the Director of the Department of Security Services, FCT Administration, announced this initiative in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.
Gwary articulated that the measure is designed to mitigate the actions of individuals engaged in vandalizing government assets and infrastructure. He further noted that the FCT Security Committee has recognized these areas as locations for criminal activities.
“The Commissioner of Police in the FCT has been directed to collaborate with his counterparts to establish a task force aimed at addressing this issue,” Gwary stated.
The team presented a financial plan to the minister for the operation, which will encompass not only Pantaker markets but also additional locations identified through intelligence reports as areas of criminal activity.
“In the upcoming two to three weeks, there will be targeted initiatives to eliminate all criminal hideouts in the FCT, encompassing uncompleted buildings, abandoned plots of land, and other sites utilized by criminals,” Gwary stated.
He highlighted that these measures are designed to prevent wrongdoers from having safe havens to operate, thereby safeguarding residents from assaults and the destruction of infrastructure.
In relation to undeveloped lands, Gwary stated that the FCTA Land Department is undertaking a census of all undeveloped plots as instructed by the minister. He remembered that Wike had cautioned owners of undeveloped plots to either proceed with development or face the possibility of having their allocations rescinded.
“This measure will effectively tackle security issues associated with undeveloped plots, overgrown vegetation, and their utilization as concealment for criminal activities,” he stated.
Gwary emphasized the minister’s instruction for the acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to ensure the security of under-bridge areas throughout the FCT.
The minister has directed the FCDA to prepare a comprehensive proposal aimed at securing all under-bridges within the territory to prevent unauthorized access by miscreants.
“The objective is to restrict unauthorized individuals from accessing these locations, which they utilize as concealment areas,” he stated.
The initiative is an integral component of the minister’s comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing security and fostering a safer environment for the residents of the Federal Capital Territory.