FCT Relaunches Operation Sweep to Counter Emerging Threats

By Omeiza Ajayi

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has announced an indefinite restart of “Operation Sweep,” deploying a multi‑agency security force to remove criminal elements from Abuja in preparation for the upcoming Sallah celebrations and the lead‑up to the 2027 general elections.

The operation brings together personnel from the military, police, Department of State Services, Civil Defence Corps, and several paramilitary groups in a coordinated effort to strengthen security across all area councils in the territory and in adjacent states.

Speaking to the assembled security teams on Friday, FCT Commissioner of Police Ahmed Sanusi emphasized that the crackdown targets criminals only and is unrelated to religion, ethnicity or culture.

“Crime has no tribe, has no religion, and has no culture. It affects each and every one of us. Our mandate is to face criminals and criminality at whatever form and level,” Sanusi declared.

The Commissioner reassured residents that the operation is not intended to harass or intimidate ordinary citizens, but to identify and apprehend those operating within the territory with harmful intentions. He added that the operation will continue for as long as necessary—describing its duration as “for as long as the FCT remains”—to ensure comprehensive coverage of the capital.

FCTA Director of Security Adamu Gwary told the joint security team that the operation has full support from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. He outlined three priorities for this phase: providing effective security for the upcoming Sallah festivities, maintaining order amid intensified political activity ahead of the 2027 elections, and ensuring that no part of the FCT is excluded from the security sweeps.

Gwary described the exercise as a “totality activity” essential for preserving peace in the capital as it approaches several major national milestones.

Authorities have called on FCT residents and the international community to aid the operation by supplying “credible and actionable intelligence” to help security agencies anticipate emerging criminal patterns in the territory.

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