Officials of the FCT Administration’s city clean up taskforce raided and cleared a cashew plantation suspected to be a notorious hideout of kidnappers in Kpaduma 111/ Kobi, Asokoro axis of Abuja.
It was gathered that the raid exercise, was in the wame on of an incident, which occured on 15th September 2025, involving gunshots between police operatives and unknown gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers along Kobi Village Road in Kpaduma III, who allegedly used two female victims as human shields to escape, while the operatives engage them in a fierce chase, successfully rescuing the two female victims unhurt in the process.
However, it was gathered that two local security from the community vigilante sustained gunshot injuries. They were immediately evacuated to the National Hospital, where one was confirmed dead by a medical doctor, while the other remains under medical care and has responding to treatment.
Addressing newsmen during the exercise, Mukhtar Galadima, Director, FCTA Department of Development Control, who explained that the trees had to be brought down because suspected kidnappers were traced to the plantation, also dismissed claims that the community residents were against the exercise.
He assured that the FCT Administration would build a police post in the area curtail future occurrences.
He said: “ 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.
“I’ve just been informed by the representative of the village chief that they support this action and will cooperate with us in clearing everything, because they too have been victims of the situation. They are not asking for compensation, only for total clearance of the trees.
“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 Apo Resettlement, where we cleared over two hectares, and also at Apo Guzape and 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.
“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.”.
On his part, Dr. Peter Olumiji, Secretary, Command and Control of the FCTA’s Security Services Department, said the FCT Administration in conjunction with the security agencies were using every tool available to carry surveillance and intelligence gathering and would as well use forest guards and drones for securing plantations and forests in territory to enhance security of lives and property.
