The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory Command, Ajao Adewale, has ordered all Divisional Police Officers to immediately commence raids on uncompleted buildings and suspected criminal hideouts across Abuja.

The directive, which takes immediate effect, according to him, is part of efforts to tackle rising concerns over criminal activities in the territory, particularly in satellite towns and developing districts where uncompleted structures are often used as hideouts by hoodlums.

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

A statement on Tuesday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the Commissioner directed that DPOs intensify patrols and ensure thorough checks 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. ”

She said the CP also 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.

According to Adeh, the police will arrest any unidentified person found loitering or sleeping at such sites after 6 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.

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.,” Adeh said.

Adeh further reminded residents that scavenging, popularly known as “Baban Bola,” remains banned in the FCT due to its links with theft and vandalism.

“Additionally, the Commissioner reiterated that scavenging activities (popularly known as “Baban Bola”) remain strictly prohibited within the FCT. Residents are advised to report any scavengers or suspicious persons sighted around their neighbourhoods immediately to the police, ” She said.

While stating that security is a collective responsibility, Adeh said the CP called on residents, estate associations, and community leaders to cooperate fully with the police by reporting suspicious movements in their areas, ensuring that all security guards and domestic staff are properly profiled by the police.