The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ajao Adewale, has ordered immediate raids on uncompleted buildings and suspected criminal hideouts across Abuja as part of renewed efforts to tackle rising insecurity in the nation’s capital.

The directive, which takes effect immediately, was issued to all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) following growing concerns over incidents of robbery, abduction, and car theft linked to abandoned structures in satellite towns and new districts.

In a statement on Tuesday, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the commissioner directed DPOs to intensify patrols and conduct thorough checks on all uncompleted and abandoned buildings within their jurisdictions.

“In a continued effort to strengthen security and ensure the safety of lives and property across the Federal Capital Territory, the Commissioner of Police, 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,” Adeh stated.

She explained that the move was part of proactive measures to deny criminals the use of abandoned or ongoing construction sites as operational bases.

The police further urged property developers to visit the nearest divisions to document and profile all artisans, labourers, and security personnel residing at construction sites before the end of October 2025.

Adeh warned that anyone found loitering or sleeping in such locations after 6 p.m. without proper identification would be arrested.

“Property developers are urged to ensure that their security personnel, artisans, and labourers sleeping at active construction sites are properly documented and profiled before the end of October 2025. DPOs must conduct regular patrols of such locations and arrest any unidentified persons found on-site after 6:00 pm,” she added.

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.

“Residents are advised to report any scavengers or suspicious persons sighted around their neighbourhoods immediately to the police,” Adeh said

While emphasising that security is a collective responsibility, the commissioner called on estate associations, community leaders, and residents to support the police by reporting suspicious movements and ensuring all security guards and domestic staff are properly profiled.