The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory Command, Ajao Adewale, has ordered all Divisional Police Officers to immediately begin raids on uncompleted buildings and suspected criminal hideouts across Abuja.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, is part of renewed efforts by the FCT Command to curb the rising wave of criminal activities, especially in satellite towns and developing areas where uncompleted structures have reportedly become safe havens for hoodlums.
In recent months, residents have raised concerns over incidents of robbery, abduction, and car theft allegedly linked to abandoned and ongoing construction sites.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the Commissioner directed DPOs to intensify patrols and carry out thorough checks on all uncompleted and abandoned buildings within their jurisdictions.
The statement partly read, “In a continued effort to strengthen security and ensure the safety of lives and property across the Federal Capital Territory, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao S. Adewale, has directed all DPOs to immediately intensify patrols and carry out thorough raids on all uncompleted buildings and suspected criminal hideouts within their jurisdictions. The directive, which takes immediate effect, forms part of proactive measures to prevent criminals from using abandoned or ongoing construction sites as hideouts or operational bases.”
Adeh added that the CP also instructed property developers to visit the nearest police divisions to document and profile all artisans, labourers, and security personnel residing at construction sites before the end of October 2025.
She noted that any unidentified person found loitering or sleeping at such sites after 6 p.m. would be arrested.
“Consequently, property developers are urged to visit the nearest police divisions and ensure their security personnel, artisans, and labourers sleeping at active construction sites are properly documented and profiled before the end of October 2025. CP Ajao further ordered that DPOs must conduct regular patrols of such locations and arrest any unidentified persons found on-site after 6:00 p.m.,” Adeh said.
The police spokesperson also reminded residents that scavenging, popularly known as “Baban Bola,” remains banned in the FCT due to its connection with theft and vandalism.
“Additionally, the Commissioner reiterated that scavenging activities (popularly known as ‘Baban Bola’) remain strictly prohibited within the FCT. Residents are advised to report any scavengers or suspicious persons sighted around their neighbourhoods immediately to the police,” she added.
Adeh stressed that security is a collective responsibility, urging residents, estate associations, and community leaders to cooperate fully with the police by reporting suspicious movements and ensuring that all domestic and security staff are properly profiled.
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