Wike Deploys Drones, Orders Clearance of Forests to Dismantle Criminal Hideout in Abuja

Wike Deploys Drones, Orders Clearance of  Forests to Dismantle Criminal Hideout in Abuja

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has directed an immediate clearance operation targeting Kobi Forest, a notorious criminal hideout in Guzape and Asokoro Village linked to recent kidnappings. The operation, which commenced on Monday, September 22, 2025, follows a September 15 abduction of two villagers and the killing of a local vigilante commander during a rescue attempt.The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) stated that the exercise aims to eliminate criminal bases and restore safety in the area. Muktar Galadima, Director of Development Control, who oversaw the operation, confirmed that all trees, shanties, and makeshift structures in the forest will be removed. He also recommended establishing a police outpost to prevent future criminal activities. “This forest has become an ungoverned space and a hub for crime. Clearing it will strip criminals of cover,” Galadima said.To enhance security, the FCTA has deployed drones for 24/7 surveillance of Kobi Forest and other ungoverned areas. Dr. Peter Olumiji, Secretary of the FCT Command and Control Centre, affirmed that drones are operational in high-risk corridors, complementing ground security efforts.Local residents expressed relief, citing years of escalating attacks. “Five years ago, we moved freely. Now, it’s a nightmare,” said Kobi resident Iliya Iwadagba. The operation is part of a broader FCTA security and transport crackdown, which has seen over 700 rogue vehicles and motorcycles, often used in “one chance” robberies, impounded and destroyed in the past five months.Chinedu Elechi, Mandate Secretary for Transport, outlined additional measures, including profiling commercial drivers, enforcing taxi registration and painting, and introducing public bus terminals under a public-private partnership model to sanitize the transport sector. “We cannot stand by while residents face preventable dangers,” Elechi stated, vowing sustained enforcement against violations.   

Source: Wike Deploys Drones, Orders Clearance of  Forests to Dismantle Criminal Hideout in Abuja

 - NigerianEye

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