As banditry intensifies in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighbouring states of Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Niger, reports reveal that the bandits are finding refuge in the Kajuru forest in the southern Kaduna area. This forest, once used by the military for training, has been abandoned, providing a haven for criminals.
Security sources indicate that the military had previously conducted operations in the area, arresting and eliminating criminal elements. However, since their departure, the bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists have taken control of the region, using it as a base for planning and executing operations in the FCT and other towns.
Despite these claims, the Defence Headquarters asserts that the Kajuru camp is still in use for training troops and special operations.
In a related development, security forces have arrested four bandits, two gunrunners, and an informant linked to the recent abduction of 23 individuals, including a family of six girls, in the FCT. The arrests were made by operatives of the FCT Special Intervention Squad and the Intelligence Response Team between Wednesday and Friday.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), collaborating with the Nigerian Police Force, has intercepted the communication of the bandits, enabling authorities to monitor their conversations and movements.
The widespread issue of abductions, typically associated with the North-West, has now spread to major cities across the country, with criminals targeting residents in Lagos, Abuja, and other urban centres. The recent killing of a student and three others in the FCT due to ransom-related delays has sparked public anger.
The police have frozen the ransom paid into the bandits’ account in Kogi State, where the Al-Kadriyar family sought financial support from Nigerians to secure the release of the abducted sisters. The family, having paid N60 million initially, faced an increased ransom demand of N100 million per captive.
However, the police, aided by the Nigerian Communications Commission, are using intercepted communications to track the bandits and plan rescue operations. The police have encountered challenges, including the interference caused by public announcements of fundraising efforts for ransom and the subsequent withdrawal of operatives to re-strategize.
The FCT Police Command has arrested four bandits, two gunrunners, and an informant connected to the recent abductions in the FCT. The police have deployed 600 personnel for special anti-terror operations.
In another incident, troops, Armored Personnel Carriers, and vehicles have been deployed in and around the Nigerian Army Housing Estate in Kurudu, Abuja, following the abduction of three residents. The military presence aims to enhance security in the area, occupied by serving and retired military personnel and civilians.
Despite these efforts, the security situation remains challenging, with criminal elements exploiting abandoned military training areas and executing brazen abductions in urban areas. The government faces the task of re-establishing control in affected regions and preventing the spread of criminal activities.
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