The joint security forces in the nation’s capital, comprising the Police, Military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Immigration Service and Department of State Services (DSS), among others, have relaunched “Operation Sweep” to intensify coordinated operations aimed at ridding Abuja and surrounding communities of criminal elements ahead of the Sallah festive period and the 2027 political season.
Speaking during the relaunch of the joint security operation, the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Sanusi, said the renewed offensive became necessary following emerging security trends within the FCT and its environs.
“Our operation is not targeted at any particular group, religion or culture. Crime has no tribe, no religion and no culture. Our mandate is to face criminals and criminality at whatever level,” he stated.
The police commissioner explained that the operation brings together personnel from the police, military, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), Immigration Service, Customs and other security agencies operating in the territory.
According to him, the joint operation demonstrates the level of synergy among security agencies in tackling insecurity and maintaining peace in Abuja.
“This will go in no small measure to expose the level of synergy that we have been having at various levels. Together, we will face the dreaded monsters head-on and bring about peace, tranquillity and a higher level of security within and around the FCT,” he said.
Sanusi assured residents that security personnel involved in the operation would conduct themselves professionally and would not intimidate or harass innocent citizens.
“We are not out to intimidate anybody. We are not out to harass anybody but to cleanse the FCT of criminals slipping in one by one and trying to cluster and cause havoc,” he emphasised.
The commissioner called on residents, the media and the international community to support security agencies with credible and actionable intelligence to help flush out criminal networks operating within the capital city.
He stressed that the operation would not be temporary, noting that it would continue for as long as the FCT exists.
“This operation will remain for as long as the FCT remains. It is not and will not be a short-lived operation. There is no part of the FCT isolated from our operation,” Sanusi said.
He added that the operation would cover all area councils within the FCT and extend security benefits to neighbouring states.
Also speaking, Director of the FCTA Department of Security Services Adamu Gwary said the FCT Administration was fully committed to supporting the joint security initiative.
According to him, the operation is aimed at ensuring safety and stability ahead of heightened political activities towards the 2027 general elections and the forthcoming Sallah celebrations.
“As you are aware, this operation is a totality activity across the FCT, and the Honourable Minister is poised to support this kind of joint operation to ensure the safety and security of the FCT,” Gwary said.
He noted that additional security measures would be deployed during the Sallah festivities to ensure peaceful celebrations across the territory.
“Beyond political activities towards the 2027 general election, the operation is to ensure that the FCT is rid of all sorts of crime and criminality,” he stated.
It would be recalled that Operation Sweep in Abuja was reactivated in November 2025 by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Security Committee to combat kidnapping, banditry, and rising urban crime. This joint task force (Police, DSS, and civil defence) focuses on dismantling illegal structures, clearing criminal hideouts, and removing street beggars.
