The FCT Administration has cleared the Kobi forest, known to be a kidnapper’s hideout in the territory.

Speaking during the exercise on Monday in Abuja, the Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, said the move was to frustrate the evil plans of the kidnappers operating around Guzape and Asokoro village communities.

The exercise came on the heels of an attack by a group of kidnappers around Kobi and Kpaduma III villages, killing a vigilante commander.

They also kidnapped two other villagers who were immediately rescued by a crack police squad led by the FCT police commissioner, Ajao Adewale.

Mr Galadima said that the kidnappers who struck Kobi and Kpaduma III villages on September 15 were chased down to the forest, where the police team rescued the two kidnapped victims, while a vigilante commander paid the supreme price.

He said, “The purpose of our visit to this site is to clear this forest, which has become a haven for kidnappers. About a week ago, there was a reported case of kidnapping, and the suspects were traced to this area. In the course of a 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.’’

The development control director said that the villagers had earlier given their consent to remove the cashew forest to pave the way for effective surveillance.

According to him, the security of life and the properties of people are of ultimate priority in the present time rather than compensation.

He said, “I have 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.’’

He also maintained that the shanties around the villages would also be removed as he suggested a police post for the area.

Mr Galadima said that the exercise would not be limited to the Kobi and Kpaduma communities.

“A few weeks ago, we started clearing plantations in places such as Apo Resettlement, where we cleared over two hectares. Also, at Apo Guzape and last year, we cleared the Mabushi scavenger’s colony, where the trees were being used as a form of shelter. So this effort is not confined to the city centre; it extends beyond it,” he said.

Mr Galadima revealed that the security committee would make recommendations to the Federal Capital Territory Administration on the possible steps needed to curtail criminal activities in the area.

Also speaking, the Director of the FCT Security Services Department, Adamu Gwary, represented by the secretary, FCT command and control, Peter Olumiji, showed that the FCT administration was employing the use of drone surveillance technology to monitor the uncovered space in and around the FCT, including forests in the villages.

He noted that as part of measures to secure the area, a 24-hour police service 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 now to clear this area,” Mr Gwary said.

Mr Gwary noted that security agencies were already conducting investigations to uncover more about the incident that occurred on September 15 in the village.

A resident of Kobi, Iliya Iwadagba, who narrated his ordeals, said they have been living there for a long time peacefully without any fear of kidnappers.

He stated, “We did not experience this kind of thing. However, five years ago, some unwanted individuals began arriving here, and we can no longer use this route. This is because anytime we pass there in the evening, people will just come out from the bush and attack innocent people.’’

(NAN)