FCT police vows crackdown on kidnappers, bandits as Operation Sweep intensifies security operations

Crime Diary

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The joint security task force, Operation Sweep FCT, has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying coordinated security operations aimed at flushing out criminal elements from the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding communities.

Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Ahmed Sanusi, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja following the reactivation of the security operation.

According to him, the renewed offensive became necessary in response to emerging security threats across the FCT and neighbouring areas, 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.

Sanusi explained that the operation involves personnel drawn from the police, military, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Federal Road Safety Corps.

Other participating agencies include the FCT Directorate of Road Transport Services, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Customs Service and other security formations operating within the territory.

He noted that the operation demonstrates strong inter-agency collaboration in tackling insecurity and sustaining peace within 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,” the police commissioner stated.

Sanusi assured residents that security operatives involved in the operation would maintain professionalism and avoid harassment or intimidation of innocent citizens.

He also urged residents, the media and international partners to support security agencies with credible intelligence capable of helping to dismantle criminal networks operating within the capital city.

“This operation will remain for as long as the FCT remains. There is no part of the FCT isolated from our operation,” he added.

Also speaking, Director of the FCTA Security Services Department, Mr Adamu Gwary, said the administration remained fully committed to supporting the joint security initiative.

According to him, the operation is designed to guarantee safety and stability ahead of increased political activities towards the 2027 general elections as well as the forthcoming Sallah celebrations.

“Beyond political activities towards the 2027 general election, the operation is to ensure that the FCT is rid of all forms of crime and criminality,” Gwary said.

Operation Sweep FCT was reactivated in November 2025 by the FCT Security Committee to combat kidnapping, banditry and rising urban crime across the territory.