THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY (FCT) Police Command has identified seventeen locations in Abuja as criminal black spots.
The identified areas, ranging from high-brow areas to a few strategic city zones, were said to be the hotspots of criminalities.
These areas have been marked in the continuous operation of the FCT in dismantling criminal networks and syndicates.
According to a statement by Josephine Adeh, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, the designation of these areas followed a series of strategic raids conducted by the command. She emphasised that the daily raids were critical for maintaining public safety and order in the capital city.
“These proactive operations are aimed at preventing crime and protecting vital public infrastructure,” Adeh said.
The areas are Apo-Dutse Panteka; Diplomatic Zone; New PDP Secretariat; Kabusa Panteka; Ajakaita (Tungan-Maje); Abuja-Kaduna Road; Jabi Panteka; Apo-Waru Panteka; Area 1 (Monkey Village) and Durumi Village.
Others are Gwarimpa; Angwan Tivi; Mpape (Mashafa and Shishinpe villages); Durumi III (Burukutu Garden); Mabushi (Gishiri Village); Kubwa (by Pipeline and NEPA Road) and Maitama (under the Transcorp Bridge).
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These zones have been associated with high levels of criminal activity, including theft, drug peddling, and vandalism of public infrastructure such as streetlights and manhole covers.
Adeh disclosed that sustained raids in these areas led to the arrest of 348 suspects for various offences, with 320 already prosecuted. Recovered items included 26 manhole covers, 20 solar poles, and AEDC armoured cables, which had been targeted by vandals. In addition, 11 firearms and a significant quantity of illicit drugs were confiscated, contributing to the disruption of criminal markets and improving public safety.
Adeh noted that the raids have disrupted these activities, including the seizure of 10 trucks loaded with vandalised metals and other stolen infrastructure components.
“These efforts ensure the restoration of critical public infrastructure while reducing opportunities for criminal enterprises to thrive,” she added.
This recent effort followed a similar operation in July 2024, where the FCT police arrested 32 suspects during a coordinated raid in the Apo area. The operation, which focused on black spots like Angwa Tiv and the Apo fish market, led to the dismantling of illegal structures and the seizure of stolen items and narcotics. The operation was hailed as a significant step towards curbing crime in high-risk areas.
Commissioner of Police Benneth C. Igweh, while addressing the July operation, reassured residents of the command’s commitment to eradicating crime in the territory. He urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities using emergency police lines.
Despite these efforts, Abuja continues to grapple with entrenched criminal activities in certain areas, often fuelled by rapid urbanisation and economic challenges.
Over the years, the city has witnessed recurring issues of drug-related crimes, theft, and vandalism. For instance, the emergence of scavengers, locally known as Baban Bola, in various parts of the FCT has been linked to a rise in petty thefts and drug trade.
