On Monday, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) launched an extensive security operation to clear the Kpaduma III – Kobi forest, a location notorious for harboring kidnappers and bandits.
This initiative was prompted by a recent violent encounter that tragically resulted in the death of a vigilante.
Reports indicate that on September 15, 2025, a confrontation erupted between police forces and suspected kidnappers along Kobi Village Road in Kpaduma III.
During the clash, the assailants reportedly used two women as human shields in an attempt to evade capture. However, the police pursued them vigorously and successfully freed the victims without harm.
The clearing operation, overseen by Mukhtar Galadima, Director of the Department of Development Control, targeted what officials described as an “ungoverned space” exploited by criminals as a refuge and transit point to terrorize communities on the outskirts of the capital.
Speaking at the scene, Galadima connected the clearance directly to the recent kidnapping incident. “Our mission here is to remove this forested area that has become a lawless zone,” he stated.
“Just over a week ago, kidnappers were tracked to this location. During the rescue, a vigilante lost his life. This is why we are committed to clearing all the trees in this area,” he added.
Addressing concerns about compensation for economic trees within the forest, Galadima noted that the local community fully supports the operation.
“The village chief’s representative informed me that they back this initiative and will cooperate fully. They are not requesting compensation but insist on complete clearance,” he explained.
He further emphasized that this effort is part of a wider campaign, referencing similar clearances recently conducted in Apo Resettlement, Apo Guzape, and Mabushi.
“This is not an isolated action limited to this community; it extends beyond the city center,” Galadima affirmed.
He also mentioned that his team would submit formal recommendations to the FCT Administration to ensure the long-term security and upkeep of the cleared corridor, involving agencies such as the police and the Abuja Environmental Protection Board.
Peter Olumiji, Secretary of the FCT Command and Control Centre within the Department of Security Services, provided further details about the incident that triggered the operation, confirming the kidnapping occurred on September 15.
“Upon receiving the report, the FCT Commissioner of Police promptly deployed his team to rescue the victims. Both were saved, though sadly, a vigilante lost his life during the operation,” Olumiji confirmed.
He highlighted the strategic significance of the forest, noting it serves as a key route for criminals moving between areas like Karu, Jikwoyi, Orozo, and Kurudu.
To prevent the forest from becoming a security threat again, Olumiji outlined post-clearance plans: “A 24-hour police outpost will be established, and solar-powered streetlights will be installed to enhance safety.”
Regarding the deployment of forest rangers, as authorized by the Federal Security Council, Olumiji stated that the FCT is considering various approaches.
“It’s not solely about forest guards. The FCT administration is also integrating technology, including continuous drone surveillance across all forested areas within the territory,” he explained.
The clearance has brought a sense of relief to residents who have endured years of insecurity. Iliya Iwadagba, a local from Kobi village near Asokoro, shared the community’s experience.
“We lived here peacefully for many years, but about five years ago, strangers began to infiltrate the area,” he recounted.
Iwadagba described how fear had paralyzed daily activities and commerce.
“People stopped using this route because, in the evenings, attackers would emerge from the bushes and assault passersby. The situation became unbearable,” he said.
