Following the increasing cases of kidnappings in the Federal Capital Territory, the FCT Administration says it is working to ensure improved security, disclosing that 11 new police stations are nearing completion across the six Area Councils.
The development was confirmed during an inspection tour of the project sites led by the Director of the FCT Department of Security Services, Adamu Gwary, on Thursday.
The initiative, championed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, is expected to decentralize the deployment of police personnel, guaranteeing quicker responses to security threats in communities including Abaji, Kwali, and Bwari that had been repeatedly attacked by criminals.
Gwary explained that the project was part of the minister’s grassroots security plan, directing that all abandoned or underutilized town halls in the councils be converted into police stations to bring law enforcement closer to the people.
“The idea is to take policing closer to the people, especially in remote communities where response time is slow,” he said, adding that integrated residential quarters will allow officers to live within the stations for round-the-clock availability.
He added that the stations were being constructed using a national prototype approved by the Inspector General of Police to ensure consistency with national policing standards.
Good progress was observed at the various sites visited, such as Saburi, Yaba, Giri, and Ushafa, where different contractors confirmed completion of electrical and plumbing works, with final painting scheduled within days.
The engineers on site, who included Ahmed Yahaya and Ayinde Adewale, said the stations would be ready by November, highlighting that the Yaba station was important because of its proximity to Niger State as an effective buffer zone to curb the infiltration of criminal elements.
Local residents expressed relief at the improved security presence. “People will now come in freely to buy and sell farm produce because they know security is improving,” said Musa Yakubu, a farmer in Yaba.
Ibrahim Danladi, a trader, expressed optimism: “The fear that kept many from staying out late is gradually easing. Now, we can begin to feel safer again.”
