The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has cleared one of the territory’s widest forests known as “Kobi forest” which aides criminal activities such as kidnapping around Guzape, and Asokoro village communities.
The hilly forest clearing came nearly eight days after a group of kidnappers struck at Kobi and Paduma 3 villages in which a vigilante’s commander named Bello was killed while two earlier kidnapped villagers were rescued by the police.
This was disclosed by Mr.Lere Olayinka, the media aide to the FCT Minister,Mr.Nyesom Wike, on his X handle on Monday, September 22,2025.
Quoting the Director of Development Control(FCTA), Muktar Galadinma,while
speaking at the commencement of the the clearing exercise on Monday,September 22,2025,he said the exercise was to frustrate the evil plans of the kidnappers as the forest had been discovered to serve as an escape route whenever they finished their nefarious activities.
“The purpose of our visit to this site is to clear the forest, which has become an ungoverned space. About a week ago, there was a reported case of kidnapping, and the suspects were traced to this area. In the course of the rescue attempt, one of the vigilante officers lost his life. That is why we are here this morning—to ensure all the trees are brought down, “Galadimawa stated.
He noted that the villagers had earlier given their consent to remove the cashew forest to pave the way for effective surveillance.
The director said the security of lives and property of the people were of ultimate priority in the present circumstances to compensation.
“I have just been informed by the representative of the village chief that they support this action, and they will cooperate with us to clear everything because they too have been victims of kidnap. They are not asking for compensation but for total clearance of the trees, “Galadima said.
He maintained that all the shanties around the villages would be removed and suggested a police post for the area.
“In many areas around the fringes of Abuja, we see similar situations where trees and forests are used as cover. This exercise is not limited to this community alone. A few weeks ago, we started clearing plantations in places like the Apo Resettlement, where we cleared over two hectares, and also at Apo and Guzape. Last year, we cleared the Mabushi scavengers colony, where the trees were being used as a form of shelter. So this effort is not confined to the city center; it extends beyond it”,he stressed.
The director revealed that the security committee was making recommendations to the FCTA on possible steps needed to curtail criminal activities in the area.
“We will make recommendations to the FCT Administration. Agencies like the Directorate of Rural Services, the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, and the police may be stationed here. Arrangements can be made to ensure this corridor is properly maintained, “he added.
On his part, the Director of the FCT Security Services Department, Mr. Adam Gwari, represented by the Secretary, FCT command and control, Dr. Peter Olumuji revealed that the FCT administration would employ the use of drone surveillance technology to monitor the uncovered space in and around the FCT, including forests in the villages.
He explained that drones work twenty-four hours a day and that as part of measures to secure the area, a 24-hour hour service police post would be established to secure the environment, including Solar-powered streetlights.
“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. The Police Commissioner has already surveyed these routes, which is why we are here to clear this area, “he stated.
Gwari noted that security agencies were already carrying out an investigation to uncover more about the incident that happened on September 15,2025, in the village.
