The Apo Division of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has commended the FCT Administration Task Force for demolishing suspected criminal hideouts in Apo Cadastral Zone District, describing the operation as a critical step in improving security in the area.
Police officers who monitored the demolition yesterday, although declining to speak on record, affirmed that clearing the enclave would bring relief to the residents who have suffered criminal activities in the vicinity.
The FCTA Department of Development Control director, Mukhtar Galadima, confirmed that intelligence reports identified the demolished site as a security threat, contributing to the rising crime rate in Apo and its environs.
“This is part of the continuation of the city sanitation exercise to rid the city of criminal elements. This place has been identified as one of the notorious dark spots. I recall efforts were made in the past, but this time around, we came in to do a total clearance,” he said.
He disclosed alarming details about criminal activities in the area, saying, “There are credible and verifiable security and intelligence reports about these locations. Instances where some people were even killed around this place.”
Galadima emphasised that demolition was necessary to permanently dismantle the criminal hub.
“Because this place was identified as a dark spot, it’s enough for this exercise to continue. Unlike before, when we just pushed shanties, we will remove everything and even fence the place this time,” he said.
He also hinted at a new strategy to prevent criminals from regrouping in reclaimed spaces, though he withheld specifics.
“We have applied many options, but we will devise a new strategy this time. You will see it by the time we take action,” he said.
The director of FCTA Security Department, Adamu Gwary, represented by Dr Peter Olumuji, corroborated Galadima’s claims, stating that residents had repeatedly reported criminal operations in the area.
“We have issues like illicit drug peddling and sales here, as well as armed robbery and housebreaking,” Olumuji said.
He recounted a recent incident where over 50 armed robbers attacked residents but were repelled by security forces.
“A few weeks ago, criminals used this place as a cover to attack residents. Thank God for the quick response of the FCT Police Command and sister agencies that prevented the attack from escalating,” he said.
He said that the demolition aligns with the FCTA’s broader security strategy to eliminate criminal hideouts and restore order in high-risk areas across the capital.
The FCTA has vowed to secure the demolished site by fencing it and implementing undisclosed measures to deter miscreants from returning, assuring residents of sustained security operations to ensure lasting safety in the district.
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