The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has cleared the notorious Kobi forest, a vast hilly area previously used as a hideout by kidnappers terrorizing communities around Guzape and Asokoro village in Abuja.
The operation, which began on Monday, comes barely eight days after kidnappers struck at Kobi and Paduma 3 villages, killing a vigilante commander identified as Bello, while two kidnapped villagers were rescued by the police.
Speaking during the clearance exercise, the Director of Development Control, FCTA, Muktar Galadima, said the move was aimed at frustrating the activities of criminals who had been using the forest as an escape route after attacks.
“The purpose of our visit is to clear this forest, which has become an ungoverned space. About a week ago, kidnappers traced to this area carried out an attack, during which one vigilante officer lost his life. That is why we are here—to ensure all the trees are brought down,” Galadima explained.
He disclosed that the villagers had consented to the removal of the cashew trees, prioritizing security of lives and property over compensation.
On additional measures, Galadima revealed that all surrounding shanties would also be demolished, while recommending the establishment of a police post to secure the cleared area. He stressed that similar exercises have been conducted in Apo Resettlement, Apo Guzape, and Mabushi Scavengers Colony to prevent criminal elements from using forests as cover.
Also speaking, the Director of FCT Security Services, Adam Gwari, represented by Dr. Peter Olumuji, Secretary, FCT Command and Control, said the Administration was deploying drone surveillance technology to monitor forests and other vulnerable spaces across the territory.
He added that plans were underway to establish a 24-hour police post equipped with solar-powered streetlights to secure the environment.
“As the Director has explained, this forest is a major transit route for kidnapping activities. From here, criminals can move to Karu, Jikwoyi, Orozo, and Kurudu. That is why we are taking these measures now,” Gwari stated.
He further revealed that security agencies are already investigating the September 15 attack in the village to uncover more details about the perpetrators.
📩 Reported by: Stone Reporters News
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