FCT Police Begin Raid On Abandoned Buildings, Warn Developers

The Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ajao Adewale, has directed all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to immediately commence a crackdown on uncompleted buildings and suspected criminal hideouts across the FCT.

According to the commissioner, the directive, which takes immediate effect, is part of efforts to tackle growing concerns over criminal activities within the territory—particularly in satellite towns and developing districts where uncompleted structures are often used as hideouts by criminals.

In recent months, residents have raised alarms over cases of robbery, abduction, and car theft linked to abandoned or ongoing construction sites.

A statement issued on Tuesday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the Commissioner had ordered DPOs to intensify patrols and conduct thorough checks and searches 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 commissioner has 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 warned that the police would arrest any unidentified persons found loitering or sleeping at such sites after 6:00 p.m.

“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,” she stated.

“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.”

The Commissioner also reminded residents that scavenging—popularly known as Baban Bola—remains banned within the FCT due to its links with theft and vandalism.

“Additionally, the Commissioner reiterated that scavenging activities remain strictly prohibited within the FCT. Residents are advised to report any scavengers or suspicious persons sighted around their neighbourhoods immediately to the police,” Adeh said.

She further emphasised that security is a collective responsibility and called on residents, estate associations, and community leaders to cooperate fully with the police by reporting suspicious movements and ensuring that all security guards and domestic staff are properly profiled.