News Agency of Nigeria
Analyst lauds Wike’s security interventions in FCT
Defence/Security

Analyst lauds Wike’s security interventions in FCT

By Philip Yatai

Akinloye Oyeniyi, an Abuja-based public affairs analyst, has commended the Minister for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, for boosting security in the nation’s capital.

Oyeniyi, who is also a legislative consultant, gave the commendation in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, as a reaction to the ongoing clearance of shanties and criminal hideouts in the federal capital

The commendation comes amidst the minister’s response to growing concerns about safety and security in Abuja, especially with the increasing need for secure environments for residents, businesses, and visitors.

According to the analyst, the minister was not only rejigging the infrastructural aspect of Abuja and its environs, but has now moved to securing lives and properties.

“The move by Wike is a welcome development in the quest for improved security in the capital.

“Operations by the FCTA involved the latest removal of illicit structures, impounding vehicles, and seizing weapons in a bid to curb criminal activities and enhance safety in the nation’s capital.

“Honestly, this recent commitment to improving the FCT security is what everyone should commend the Minister and his team for.

“Yes, it is their job, but there is what is called commendation if an official has performed his duty well.”

He argued that such efforts had not been heard in the FCT in a long while, “thus, the reason every reasonable person should commend the Wike-led FCT Administration’s actions to improve public safety”.

Oyeniyi called for the sustainability of such efforts to ensure that the federal capital remained safe and secure for residents’ well-being and sustainable development. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

City sanitation: FCTA clears illegal occupants, traders around UTC 
Metro

City sanitation: FCTA clears illegal occupants, traders around UTC 

By Philip Yatai

The City Sanitation Operation of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), on Monday, cleared illegal occupants and traders around UTC, in Area 10, Abuja.

Mr Mukhtar Galadima, Director, Development Control, who heads the operation, explained that the exercise was directed by the FCT Security Committee.

Galadima said that the goal was to enforce sanity and rid the city of criminal elements.

He explained that the UTC was one of the areas identified as dark spots harbouring criminal elements.

He explained that the team equally evacuated a pile of refuse that were left unattended, raising serious health concerns.

“So, as part of city sanitation, we have to clear that site first before coming to the main area where the hoodlooms are.

“On getting here, we have seen what is really disturbing and alarming. So, something serious has to be done,” he said.

He explained that the space taken over by the illegal occupants and traders was designated as a transit corridor in the Abuja Master Plan.

He said that based on Land Use Plan for Phase I and Garki District, the area was part of the the transitway corridor.

The director described the transitway corridor as a “system” that runs across the city, from UTC, and passes behind Abuja Municipal Area Council Secretariat and Ministry of Defence towards Wuse Zone 3.

He said that the corridor had not been developed yet but being maintained and protected against any form of intrution by land grabbers.

He said that after the clearance, the area would be fenced as directed by the FCT Security Committee and only allow usage that would be friendly to city development, particularly transportation.

This, according to him, will ensure that the illegal occupants do not return to the site again.

On his part, Mr Adamu Gwary, Director, Security Services Department, FCTA, said that the clearance operation was focused on identifying locations that criminals were hibernating and attacking residents.

Gwary, who was represented by the Secretary, Command and Control, Dr Peter Olumuji, disclosed that the rate of crime had reduced in locations that have been cleared since the exercise began a week ago.

He said that the city sanitation exercise was ongoing side by side Operation Sweep Abuja, adding that several criminals have been arrested while several shanties have been cleared. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FCTA pledges continued clearance of criminal hideouts across Abuja
Metro

FCTA pledges continued clearance of criminal hideouts across Abuja

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has assured residents that it will continue the clearance of shanties and parks, serving as hideouts for criminals in the territory.

Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media gave the assurance in a statement in Abuja on Sunday.

Olayinka said that the FCTA, with other security agencies, had on Aug. 6 commenced a city-wide cleanup exercise of all identified criminal hideouts across the capital city.

He said that the move, designed to remove criminal hideouts, and restore sanity and security to Abuja city, was in accordance with Abuja’s Development Control Regulations and public safety protocols.

He said that the FCTA Development Control, Security Services Department and Directorate of Road Transport Services have already cleared some areas identified as major threats to the capital’s security and aesthetic standards.

He said that the exercise, which involved removing illicit structures, impounding vehicles, and seizing weapons, was being followed up with a mop-up operation to ensure criminal elements do not return.

The spokesman added that the demolition of Jazz and Blues Entertainment at Panorama Recreational Park, Wuse Zone 3, was part of the clean-up exercise.

“Intelligence obtained and verified through several surveillance and undercover investigations of these locations, amongst which was the Jazz and Blues Entertainment, was that a segment of the park containing shanties and batchers had evidence of sustained criminal activity tied to organised networks operating within the FCT,” he said.

He explained that contrary to claims of abrupt action, the FCTA Department of Development Control had issued several Contravention Notices to the Park’s Management prior to the exercise.

He added that in February 2024, a formal notice was issued to inform the park operator of the identified infractions and was followed by three formal notices between October 2024 and June 2025.

He said that the final eviction order was served on July 25, 2025.
“However, these Contravention Notices issued by the FCTA were completely ignored.

“For the avoidance of doubts, the FCTA wishes to state that the main facilities/activities within the park (i.e. the football field, its viewing platforms, the Gymnasium area, and several other facilities) were unaffected and remain functional following the removal of these criminal elements from the park.

“While the FCTA acknowledges and respects the military service of retired Air Commodore Balogun Abayomi, one of the Management of the park, it reiterates that national service is not a license for any individual to harbour criminal elements/activities, and endanger the general public.

“Not minding any orchestrated media reports, the FCTA will continue with the city-wide cleanup exercise in the coming weeks.

“This shall be extended to other districts within the city with a view to achieve the administration’s goal of building a city where its residents will be safe to live, work and recreate,” he said.

Olayinka said that the operation was a targeted public safety intervention based on credible intelligence, and not an act of persecution against anyone.

“Security agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Department of State Services (DSS), identified several locations and facilities that serve as a criminal hideout and safe haven across the Federal Capital City.

“Notable in these areas were the Banana Green Belt, extending from the Central Mosque area towards Zone 3 and Zone 1 of Wuse District, including Area 10 corridor.

“In these areas, innocent citizens are assaulted by assailants who then run to seek refuge within the surrounding Banana Green Belt/vegetation cover to escape arrest,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba
======

Ground rent: Wike requests list of defaulters for immediate sanctions
Metro

Ground rent: Wike requests list of defaulters for immediate sanctions

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Friday, demanded the list of ground rent defaulters across the territory for immediate implementation of necessary sanctions.

Wike gave the directive in Abuja while inaugurating two committees to address land issues at River Park Estate and abuse of land use act in the FCT.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the FCT Administration had on June 2, published a demand notice for the payment of ground rent due to the FCT Administration from 2014 to 2024.

The FCT Administration gave the defaulters two weeks to comply.

Wike noted that the two weeks had long elapsed into months, adding that it was time for enforcement of necessary sanctions.

“We have allowed so much time. Initially we gave two weeks; it has passed one month, two months, three months.

“You know how Nigerians are, if you don’t take steps nothing will happen.

“So, all those owing, from the ones we have published up to 2025, you have to provide the list so that we commence immediate implementation.

“This will enable us to receive the needed funds that will aid us in the development of infrastructure in the FCT,” he said.

The minister said that the FCT 2025 budget had been passed and assented to, by President Bola Tinubu.

He, however, pointed out that without funds, there was no way the administration would undertake projects that would have a positive impact on the lives of FCT residents.

“So, please, Directors of Land, Abuja Geographic Information System, Development Control, Urban and Regional Planning, you need to work tirelessly to make sure that this is achieved,” the minister said. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Wike inaugurates committees on river park estate, land use abuse
Metro

Wike inaugurates committees on river park estate, land use abuse

By  Philip Yatai

Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Friday inaugurated two committees to address the land issues at River Park Estate and abuse of the land use act in FCT.

Wike, while inaugurating the committees in Abuja, described the two issues as “very important” in streamlining the activities of the FCT Administration on emerging land matters.

He said that the River Park Committee would be chaired by the General Counsel/Secretary, Legal Service Secretariat and acting Director, Public Service as secretary.

He pointed out that sometimes the government gives out letters of intent to those who declare interest to develop mass housing.

According to him,  the FCT Administration always signs MoUs with estate developers, adding,  however, that in most cases, the clauses in the agreements end up being violated.

The minister explained that the river park estate committee was inaugurated to look into the land issues in the estate and advise the FCTA on the necessary steps needed to correct the anomalies.

He said that the committee has two weeks to conclude the assignment, adding that there would be no extension of time.

“So, if it requires you to sit from morning till night, may it be so. We will not delay,” he said.

Wike advised the committee to carry out the task with utmost professionalism and warned the members against giving in to internal or external influence.

“If I hear that somebody has interest, be it from outside or be it from the FCTA, particularly Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) and the administration department, you know the consequences of it.

“If there’s any department that’s trying to stop you from getting information, let me know on time,” he said.

The second committee was on the review of land uses/purpose clauses of land and properties at locations overtaken by commercial and other activities.

It will be chaired by the Director, Development Control, with Director, Urban and Regional Planning as Secretary.

Wike explained that the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) always indicates the purpose for usage, which could be for commercial, residential or other uses, in line with the provisions of the Abuja Master Plan.

“Today you find out that all those provisions were being violated without prior approval from the government.

“You will see people with C of O, whose purpose is for residential, but turned to commercial. This, of course, is a violation of the certificate that was issued,” he said.

The minister explained that the committee would identify all those areas that were in violation of the use of the C of O given to residents, as the case may be.

He said that the area could be in the Central Business Area, Maitama, Asokoro, Garki, Wuse I, or Wuse II, as the case may be.

“Having identified them, you have to recommend to the government what appropriate steps to be taken in compliance with extant guidelines.

“This is very, very important to us. Are you going to say outright revocation for not complying with the provisions in the C of O or there would be a penalty if they asked for conversion and pay the appropriate fee?

“The committee has two weeks to deliver on the task and come up with a robust recommendations of what the government is to do.

“Like I said earlier, this job has to be done without outside or inside interference,” he said.

Wike said that the move was necessary for the public to know what the government was doing to address the anomalies in land use in th FCT.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other members of the river park estate committee included Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Lands, Urban and Regional Planning and Deputy Director, Land.

Others are Director, Security Services Department, Director Development Control, and Director, AGIS.

For the committee on the review of land uses/purpose clauses of land and properties at locations overtaken by commercial and other activities, the members included Director, Land Administration and Director, Surveying and Mapping.

Others are Director, AGIS, and Director, Engineering Services. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Food for Lagos project ‘ll make Kogi farmers richer – Commissioner
Agriculture

Food for Lagos project ‘ll make Kogi farmers richer – Commissioner

By Thompson Yamput

The Kogi  Government says the Food for Lagos partnership  between it  and Lagos state would further enrich its farmers.

The state also reiterated  commitment to transforming its agricultural sector and improving livelihood of farmers through the partnership,  aimed at creating a robust food supply chain between Kogi and Lagos state.

This is contained  in a statement on  Thursday by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr  Kingsley Fanwo, who highlighted the strategic steps already taken to actualise the economic potential of the initiative.

Fanwo said that Gov.  Ahmed Ododo has begun implementing concrete measures to boost food production, improve infrastructure, and attract high-value investments into the state’s agricultural sector, less than two weeks after signing the agreement.

“The governor didn’t just go there to sign papers. He had since returned home to roll up his sleeves and make the partnership a huge success.

“With the governor’s efforts, Kogi farmers will earn more from their agricultural produce,” he said.

He revealed that the state Ministry of Agriculture had already mapped out key areas with comparative advantages for specific crops, ensuring that each region contributed meaningfully to the value chain.

Kogi, he said, is already a leading producer of cassava in Nigeria and West Africa, and the administration is working hard to dominate other areas of food production.

“We are not just talking about being the food basket of the nation, we are taking real steps to become one,” he said.

He lauded Ododo as a visionary leader, who  from the outset of his administration, placed agriculture at the center of his development agenda.

“During his campaigns and in his inaugural speech, Ododo  emphasised the need for Kogi to be self-sufficient in food production. Today, he is fulfilling that promise.”

Fanwo also highlighted major government-backed programmes such as RAAMP (Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project), which is facilitating the rehabilitation of rural roads to improve access to markets.

He said that ACReSAL (Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes), also supported by the state government, is channeling investments into rural farming communities.

“Agriculture in Kogi is receiving the biggest attention it has ever received.

“Our youth and women from Ibaji to Gegu and Egbe are now fully involved in the agricultural revival sweeping across the state.”

He noted that the state’s growing success in combating rural insecurity has contributed to increased farming activity and boosted confidence among local farmers.

The information commissioner said that the Food for Lagos Project is a game-changer, not only for food supply in Nigeria’s largest city but also for wealth creation and economic empowerment in Kogi.

“With sustained implementation, this partnership will make Kogi farmers richer and the state stronger economically,”  Fanwo added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Lagos state government on July 23, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the governors of Niger, Taraba, Kogi, and Ogun.

The MOU was signed during the launch of the N500 billion ‘Produce for Lagos’ initiative of the state.

The food for Lagos initiative was aimed at  strengthening food supply chains and tackling rising food costs.

The agreement formalised  an  inter-state collaboration on agricultural production, logistics, and market access to ensure consistent food availability in Lagos state. (NAN)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

FCTA begins procurement process for waste collection in satellite towns 
Metro

FCTA begins procurement process for waste collection in satellite towns 

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has begun procurement processes for the award of contracts for waste collection and evacuation in FCT satellite towns.

Mr Abdulkadir Zulkifku, Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), disclosed this during a waste evacuation exercise in Karu, Abuja Municipal Area Council on Thursday.

Zulkiflu explained that the tenure of the previous contractors had elapsed in April.

He said that in the meantime the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had directed the STDD to clear all dump sites pending the finalisation of the procurement processes for the new contractors.

“As you can see, the waste evacuation is taking place, not under any contractor, but under the watch of the STDD.

“The waste evacuation will extend all the way to Karshi and hopefully after that, we will move to other area councils,” he said.

The coordinator added that the STDD was also considering relocating the waste collection point, due to the health hazard it could cause to the residents of the area.

“As you can see, this place is designated as a collection point but there is not much space. After every one or two minutes, you see people coming here to dump refuse,” Zulkiflu said. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

FG intensifies surveillance to ensure accuracy in fuel, food measurements
Economy/Business

FG intensifies surveillance to ensure accuracy in fuel, food measurements

By Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government is intensifying efforts to ensure Nigerians get fair value for their money through accurate quantity measurements in goods and services.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Nura Rimi, said this on Wednesday in Abuja.

Rimi, represented by Mr Dafang Sule, the Director of Federal Produce Inspectorate Service, said this when he led officials from the Weights and Measures Department of the Ministry on an inspection tour of some facilities within the city center.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the facilities visited are the NNPC mega station and NNPC by Olusegun Obasanjo Way, Zone 1, Conoil, Gransquare, and the Arab Contractors site in Abuja.

Rimi said the essence of the visit was to ensure the facilities maintained strict compliance with approved standards of measurement, for consumer protection and revenue generation for the government.

He expressed the commitment of the present administration through its Renewed Hope Agenda, to protect the interest of consumers and the general public.

“With all of these activities, the consumer has the right to receive what he pays for.

”At the same time, it is a strong base for revenue generation because the service is paid for, and the government derives enormous returns from it,” he said.

Also speaking, the Director of Weights and Measures, Mr Bamidele Olajide, said the surveillance was part of the department’s annual nationwide compliance exercise.

”This is our annual surveillance. We do it once a year. And what we do specifically is to ensure that we do our function, we carry out our responsibility.

“Our aim is to protect consumers from being shortchanged. If a buyer pays for 20 litres of fuel, they must get exactly 20 litres. The same applies to food and industrial commodities.

”We also enforce compliance of the entities with government regulation such that the quantity of what you are giving to the public is accurate and specific,” Olajide said.

According to him, most of the premises visited so far have shown substantial compliance to the required standards .

On the issue of standards in the oil and gas sector, Olajide confirmed that efforts were ongoing to strengthen the department’s role under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

He said this was being done with the support of the National Assembly and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“The Secretary to the Government of the Federation has directed that Weights and Measures return to the oil and gas sector to ensure that what is lifted corresponds to what is declared at the ministry,” he said.

Similarly, Mr Muktar Salim, Deputy Director, Surveillance, said that the department operated an open complaint system through its website and call centres.

Salim encouraged consumers to report suspected cheating or inaccuracy in weighing or dispensing to the department’s closest office for necessary actions.

“We want to ensure that a person paying for 50 tonnes gets exactly 50 tonnes. That is the core of consumer protection,” Salim said.

At the Arab Contractors site in Wuye, the project manager, Mr Gamal Abdelrahman, commended the surveillance team for their professionalism.

Abdelrahman confirmed that their weighing bridge had passed the test, though the operator’s certificate was due for renewal.

Similarly, the Manager of the NNPC Filling Station along Olusegun Obasanjo Way, Zone 1, Mr Isah Iyaji, also applauded the initiative and offered technical advice to CNG vehicle users.

He advised motorists using CNG converted vehicles to ensure not to kick their vehicles with CNG except after driving for about 20 to 30 minutes.

”If you use petrol for like 20 to 30 minutes, then you go back to CNG. That is the only time you can get the compress, the required pressure for it to drive, for your car not to be affected,” he said.

Officials also visited the butchery section and rice stalls at Grand Square Supermarket and Stores located in the Central Business District in Abuja, where items were weighed to ensure compliance with standard measures.

The ministry promised to continue to train operators of weighing equipment and enforce sanctions on defaulters as part of ongoing efforts to protect consumers and uphold trade standards across Nigeria.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

BTG to empower women, advance sustainable climate governance in Kaduna 
Environment

BTG to empower women, advance sustainable climate governance in Kaduna 

By Sani Idris-Abdulrahman

Bridge that Gap Hope for Africa Initiative (BTG), an NGO, in partnership with Network of Civil Society in Environment, has unveiled a transformative project designed to empower women and advance sustainable climate governance in Kaduna State.

BTG Executive Director, Mss Gloria Bulus said in a statement in Kaduna on Thursday, that the move was a strategic effort toward tackling the rising climate and development issues impacting communities in the state.

Bulus said that the project would be funded by the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE) Programme, a Foreign Commonwealth Development Office funded initiative.

She said that the six-month project titled “Women Empowerment and Climate Resilience Initiative” would be implemented in three Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state, namely Zaria, Chikun, and Zango Kataf.

“Reports from these LGAs show high levels of environmental degradation, food insecurity, and limited female representation in governance structures.

“A complex climate landscape in
Kaduna state faces a troubling mix of environmental, social, and economic challenges.

“From extensive deforestation and desertification to resource shortages and ecosystem breakdowns, the impacts of climate change have become severe.

“A report by Global Forest Watch shows that in 2023 alone, the state lost over 5,400 hectares of natural forest, leading to 1.94 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

“These environmental shocks have worsened poverty and eco-anxiety, especially among women who are disproportionately affected but remain underrepresented in decision-making,” she said.

She pointed out that although women play important roles in agriculture, small businesses, and household sustainability, they often lack access to platforms and resources that could help them influence climate policies and local development strategies.

She said that with women at the forefront, focusing on gender inclusion and environmental sustainability, the project aims to strengthen women-led coalitions.

“This will be achieved by improving their policy advocacy skills, providing them with energy-efficient cookstoves, and developing a climate action plan that considers gender and Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in line with the Kaduna State Climate Change Policy.

“This is because women are central to community life. They manage natural resources, care for households, and make significant contributions to the economy.

“However, they still face marginalisation in important decisions about the environment and development.

“The project aims to change this situation by providing women with advocacy tools and encouraging cooperation among policymakers, civil society, and the private sector,” Bulus said.

She explained that the choice of the three LGAs was due to their disturbing environmental records.

Bulus said that Zaria LGA suffers from massive vegetation loss due to fuelwood consumption, which accounts for nearly 40 per cent of its deforestation.

She said that satellite data from 1973 to 2014 shows that over 80 per cent of vegetation in the area has been degraded, highlighting the urgent need for clean energy alternatives and community-led environmental restoration.

She also said that Zango Kataf LGA equally faces challenges from erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and soil degradation.

She said that women and internally displaced persons were particularly vulnerable to water shortages and land conflicts, worsened by deforestation caused by agricultural practices.

For Chikun LGA, the executive director said that communities like Kakau Daji were experiencing rapid environmental decline due to firewood collection and industrial pollution from nearby petrochemical plants.

According to her, the ecosystem has suffered from biodiversity loss, soil erosion, and toxic emissions.

Bulus said that the project was built around four core objectives, explaining that one of the objectives was to enhance policy advocacy capacity.

This, she said, would be done through training of women’s groups to participate in governance structures and advocate for inclusive climate strategies.

She identified the second objective as the development of inclusive Climate Action Plans to prioritise gender and PWD perspectives in environmental policies.

“The third objective is promoting climate adaptation through implementing grassroots solutions like reforestation, clean energy use, and climate-smart agriculture.

“The fourth objective is strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration, particularly among women’s coalitions, government agencies, and environmental stakeholders,” she said.

Bulus said that BTG, a nonprofit organisation, was dedicated to building sustainable communities by removing barriers to opportunity and basic rights for vulnerable populations.

She said that the organisation aims to plant 15,000 trees across the three benefiting LGAs, adding that more than 3,000 economic and forest trees have been planted in Chikun LGA.

“Through the Strategic Opportunity Fund from the PACE Programme, an additional 6,000 trees will be planted in the project LGAs.

“Journalists in Kaduna will also receive training to enhance their skills in effective writing and reporting on climate change-related issues,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PACE project supports coalitions that influence governments to address climate and governance issues affecting the poorest and most vulnerable communities.

It aims to boost state government revenue from internal sources, integrate climate actions into state policy, planning, and budgets, and enhance election delivery and credibility.

The programme is being implemented in Kaduna, Kano, and Jigawa states in northwestern Nigeria and strategic engagement at both federal and regional levels, with BTG as a consortium partner. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

Abuja’s Operation Sweep: 675 vehicles impounded, 273 beggars apprehended – CP
Defence/Security

Abuja’s Operation Sweep: 675 vehicles impounded, 273 beggars apprehended – CP

By Philip Yatai

No fewer than 675 vehicles have been impounded while 273 beggars were apprehended across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under Operation Sweep Abuja, which began on July 7.

The Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Ajao Adewale, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the FCT Security Committee meeting, chaired by the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, in Abuja on Tuesday.

Adewale explained that the 273 beggars and destitute were currently being profiled, adding that some of them would be repatriated back to their respective states.

“In the course of this operation, we had offences that relate to drug peddling, to crime, and those that have to do with illegal begging.

“All the ones that fall within illegal begging on the roads have been taken care of by the FCT Social Development Secretariat.

“For those offences that relate to drug peddling, those ones have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency,” he said.

The commissioner of police added that the 675 vehicles impounded were over improper documentation, tinted glasses, covered number plates among other offences.

He added that a number of the vehicles were also impounded for operating illegal taxi services associated with “one chance” – posing as taxi operators to lure commuters and seize their belongings.

“What we are doing for now is to increase the visibility of our security personnel at bus stops and all the places where they pick their targets.

“We are equally encouraging residents to key into the idea of boarding vehicles at the designated bus stops, preferably in groups, and to be security conscious when boarding vehicles,” the commissioner said.

He said that the security committee had rated the operation as “very successful” and had advised that the exercise continue.

The commissioner added that the FCT minister equally directed security agencies to address the issue of shanties that had been springing up across the nation’s capital city.

“The minister also directed that we rid the FCT of prostitutes, beggars and all other miscreants that constitute a threat to the environment,” he added.

Adewale said that Wike had directed all illegal mining sites and illegal Internally Displaced Persons camps to be shut over security concerns.

He stressed that traffic-related offences that equally contribute to crime in the city would be decisively dealt with.

He identified some of the offences as driving with covered number plates and driving against the traffic.

“There is going to be a total clampdown on these offenders.

“The directive has been given and we are rolling out for full implementation,” he said.

Speaking on the recent clash between farmers and herders in the Gwagwalada Area Council, the commissioner of police said that the issue had been laid to rest.

He explained that the parties involved had signed a peace accord to ensure permanent peace in the affected communities. (NAN)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

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