The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has announced that prior notification is now mandatory for any hiking or camping activities in the Territory.
The directive was communicated in a statement signed by the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, on Tuesday.
“The FCT Police Command advises members of the public, particularly youth groups, organisations, and hiking enthusiasts, to take necessary precautions before embarking on camping and hiking activities,” the statement read.
“This advisory follows recent security concerns and the need to ensure the safety of all participants. The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao S. Adewale, PSC, MNIPS, has warned that the police must be notified before any camping or hiking activity takes place.
“He emphasised that failing to do so poses significant security risks, as remote or unsecured locations can be vulnerable to criminal activities,” she added.
The statement also noted that the measure was essential to ensure adequate security arrangements are in place before any event.
“The Command stresses the importance of notifying the police and working closely with them to obtain guidance on safe routes and necessary security measures.
“The FCT Police remain committed to collaborating with the public to minimise risks by providing expert advice on intended locations and ensuring proper monitoring and protection when necessary.
“Furthermore, the Command urges organisers to ensure that all participants are accounted for throughout such outdoor activities. It is crucial to verify that everyone returns safely to prevent cases of missing persons or unforeseen incidents.
“Effective communication with law enforcement before and during these activities can significantly reduce safety risks and enhance emergency response efficiency,” the statement concluded.
LEADERSHIP recalls that a young graduate, John Johnson, was brutally mutilated and murdered by suspected herdsmen in Zaina, near Angwan Hakimi, Orozo, in Abuja while attending a Boys’ Brigade camp on March 29, 2025.
The young man had already endured a significant loss, having lost his father the previous year after a prolonged illness.
The Chief of Igala in Orozo, Amadu Zachariah, who confirmed the incident, expressed deep regret over the attack, lamenting that security agencies were yet to apprehend Johnson’s killers.
Zachariah noted that the Boys’ Brigade had organised a camp for its members in Zaina but due to the threat of rain, the group relocated to a nearby church.
When two leaders of the group returned to retrieve their belongings, they were ambushed by suspected herdsmen. One leader managed to escape, but Johnson was killed.
Narrating the incident, Zachariah said: “Unfortunately, rain was threatening that night, so they decided to move the children from their camping site to a nearby church. After relocating them, two group leaders returned to collect their belongings.
“On their way back, they were ambushed by individuals suspected to be Fulani herdsmen. One escaped, while the other, John Johnson, was killed as they fled in different directions.”
