The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) commenced a major security operation on Monday, clearing the Kpaduma III – Kobi forest which was identified as a dangerous haven for kidnappers and bandits.
The operation followed a recent violent incident that claimed the life of a vigilante.
LEADERSHIP recalls that on September 15, 2025, a shootout occurred between police operatives and suspected kidnappers along Kobi Village Road in Kpaduma III.
The gunmen reportedly used two female victims as human shields to escape, while the operatives engaged them in a fierce chase, successfully rescuing the two victims unharmed.
The clearing exercise, led by the Director of Department of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, aimed to eliminate what authorities termed as “ungoverned space” used as a hideout and transit route for criminals terrorising residents of communities on the fringes of the capital city.
Galadima, speaking at the site, directly linked the clearance to a kidnapping event that occurred just over a week ago. “The purpose of our visit to this site is to clear this forest, which has become an ungoverned space.
“About a week ago, there was a reported case of kidnapping, and the suspects were traced to this area. In the course of the rescue attempt, one of the vigilante officers lost his life. That is why we are here this morning, to ensure all the trees are brought down,” he said.
Addressing concerns about compensation for owners of economic trees within the forest, Galadima revealed that the local community was fully in support of the operation.
“I have just been informed by the representative of the village chief that they support this action and will cooperate with us. They are not asking for compensation, only for total clearance of the trees,” he explained.
He emphasised that the initiative was part of a broader strategy, citing recent clearances in Apo Resettlement, Apo Guzape, and Mabushi.
“This exercise is not limited to this community alone. This effort is not confined to the city centre; it extends beyond it,” Galadima added.
He said that his team would make formal recommendations to the FCT Administration for the long-term maintenance and security of the cleared corridor, involving agencies like the police and the Abuja Environmental Protection Board.
Providing a detailed account of the incident that prompted the action, the Secretary of the FCT Command and Control Centre in the Department of Security Services, Peter Olumiji, confirmed that the kidnapping took place on September 15.
“As soon as the FCT Commissioner of Police got the information, he mobilised his team to rescue the victims. Both were successfully rescued, though in the process, one of the vigilantes lost his life,” Olumiji said.
He elaborated on the strategic importance of the location, noting that the forest serves as a major corridor for criminal movement to areas like Karu, Jikwoyi, Orozo, and Kurudu.
In order to prevent its re-emergence as a security threat, Olumiji outlined concrete post-clearance measures. “After the clearance, a 24-hour police post will be established to secure the environment. Solar-powered streetlights will also be installed”.
On the question of using forest hunters, as approved by the Federal Security Council, Olumiji confirmed the FCT was exploring multiple options.
“But it is not just about forest guards. The FCT administration is also deploying technology, including round-the-clock surveillance drones across all forests within the territory,” he said.
The clearance exercise has been met with relief by long-suffering residents. Iliya Iwadagba, a resident of Kobi village near Asokoro, recounted the community’s ordeal.
“We have been living here for a long time. We did not experience this kind of thing. But starting about five years ago, some unwanted people started coming here,” he said.
Iwadagba described a climate of fear that has crippled daily life and commerce.
“We could no longer pass this route because anytime in the evening when you pass there, people will just come out from the bush and attack you. So this thing is getting too much,” he narrated.
