The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has announced the creation of a Special Task Force aimed at eradicating criminal elements hiding in uncompleted structures, abandoned plots, and buildings across the FCT.

Mr. Adamu Gwary, the Director of the Department of Security Services, FCT Administration, made this known during an interview with our source in Abuja on Wednesday. He explained that the initiative seeks to curb the activities of miscreants who are responsible for vandalizing government infrastructure and other criminal activities.

Gwary further clarified that these locations have been identified by the FCT Security Committee as hotspots for criminal activities. The Commissioner of Police in the FCT has been tasked with coordinating efforts with his colleagues to form a task team specifically focused on this issue.

The Special Task Force has already presented a financial plan to the minister for its operation, which will target several identified locations, including Pantaker markets. Gwary assured that the operation would cover other areas pinpointed through intelligence reports as criminal hideouts.

“In the next two to three weeks, we will take strategic actions to clear all criminal hideouts in the FCT, including uncompleted buildings, abandoned plots, and other areas used by criminals,” Gwary stated.

The initiative also includes addressing the issue of undeveloped plots of land. Gwary revealed that the FCTA Land Department is conducting a census of all undeveloped plots, in line with the minister’s directive. Wike had earlier warned owners of these plots to either develop them or risk having their allocations revoked. This move is expected to reduce security concerns related to vacant lands, which often serve as hiding spots for criminals.

Additionally, Gwary highlighted that Wike had instructed the acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to propose measures to secure all under-bridge areas across the FCT. The aim is to prevent miscreants from using these spaces as hideouts.

“This directive is in line with the minister’s broader plan to improve security in the FCT and ensure a safer environment for all residents,” Gwary concluded.