By Philip Yatai
The joint security task force, Operation Sweep FCT, has renewed commitments to intensify coordinated operations aimed at ridding the territory and surrounding communities of criminal elements.
Commissioner of Police in FCT, Ahmed Sanusi, who is leading the operation, said this after the reactivation of the exercise on Friday in Abuja.
Sanusi said the renewed offensive became necessary following emerging security threats within the FCT and its environs, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and banditry.
“Our operation is not targeted at any particular group, religion or culture. Crime has no tribe, no religion and no culture. Our mandate is to face criminals and criminality at whatever level,” he said.
He explained that the operation involved personnel from the police, military, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Federal Road Safety Corps.
Others include the FCT Directorate of Road Transport Services, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies operating within the territory.
According to him, the joint initiative demonstrates strong inter-agency synergy in tackling insecurity and sustaining peace in the nation’s capital.
“We will face the dreaded monsters head-on and bring about peace, tranquillity and a higher level of security within and around the FCT,” he added.
Sanusi assured residents that operatives would act professionally and avoid intimidation or harassment of innocent citizens during the exercise.
He urged residents, the media, and international partners to support the operation with credible intelligence to help dismantle criminal networks operating in the capital.
“This operation will remain for as long as the FCT remains. There is no part of the FCT isolated from our operation,” he said.
Also speaking, Director of the FCTA Security Services Department, Mr Adamu Gwary, said the administration remained fully committed to supporting the joint security initiative.
He said the operation was aimed at ensuring safety and stability ahead of heightened political activities towards the 2027 general elections and upcoming Sallah celebrations.
“Beyond political activities towards the 2027 general election, the operation is to ensure that the FCT is rid of all sorts of crime and criminality,” Gwary added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Operation Sweep FCT was reactivated in November 2025 by the FCT Security Committee to tackle kidnapping, banditry, and rising urban crime across the territory. (NAN)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
