CP Ahmed Sanusi Threatens Sanctions for Non-Performance as Security Agencies Intensify Crackdown on Criminal Networks Across the Capital
By Amarachi Odenigbo
ABUJA, NIGERIA – June 20, 2026
The Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), CP Ahmed Sanusi, has issued a firm two-week ultimatum to all 17 Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) under the Metro Area Command to eliminate robbery and other violent crimes within Abuja’s city centre or face disciplinary consequences.
The directive comes amid growing public concern over rising incidents of armed robbery, “one-chance” attacks, vehicle snatching, vandalism, and other criminal activities threatening residents and commuters in Nigeria’s capital city.
The order was handed down during a strategic security meeting convened by the FCT Police Command to assess the prevailing security situation and strengthen operational responses across the territory.
The move signals what security analysts describe as a renewed push by the command leadership to restore public confidence and tighten law enforcement presence in critical areas of the Federal Capital Territory.
Rising Crime Wave Triggers Emergency Security Review
According to a statement issued by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the high-level meeting brought together divisional commanders and senior officers responsible for policing Abuja’s metropolitan districts.
The session focused on emerging security threats, operational deficiencies, and intelligence-based strategies aimed at curbing criminal activities within the city centre and surrounding communities.
During the meeting, CP Sanusi reportedly expressed serious concern over the increasing prevalence of crimes that have continued to affect residents, businesses, and visitors within the capital.
Among the major concerns highlighted were:
- Traffic robberies targeting motorists
- Vehicle snatching at gunpoint
- “One-chance” robberies involving criminal transport operators
- Reckless driving and traffic violations
- Vandalism of public and private infrastructure
- Illegal parking on major highways
- Persistent traffic congestion
- Activities of commercial motorcyclists operating on restricted roads
Police authorities say these challenges have become major security and public safety concerns requiring immediate intervention.
Two-Week Deadline for Results
In one of the strongest directives issued by the command in recent months, the commissioner ordered divisional police heads to produce measurable results within two weeks.
According to the police statement, Sanusi made it clear that failure to significantly reduce or eliminate the identified crimes would attract consequences.
“He therefore ordered the DPOs to end these crimes within two weeks or face the consequences,” the statement disclosed.
The directive places operational responsibility squarely on divisional commanders, who are expected to deploy intelligence gathering, community policing strategies, surveillance operations, and targeted enforcement measures to achieve the objectives.
Security observers note that the ultimatum reflects increasing pressure on law enforcement agencies to address criminal activities that have damaged Abuja’s reputation as one of the country’s safest urban centres.
CP Takes Direct Control of Suburban Security Operations
As part of the new operational strategy, CP Sanusi announced a restructuring of security responsibilities across the FCT.
While directing all DPOs and the Metro Area Commander to concentrate resources on securing the city centre, the commissioner said he would personally oversee security operations in suburban communities where incidents of kidnapping, banditry, and violent crimes have remained a concern.
The decision underscores the command’s determination to strengthen coordination between urban and rural policing operations.
Analysts believe direct involvement by the commissioner could improve response times and intelligence-sharing among various police formations operating across the territory.
Zero Tolerance for Negligence
The FCT police boss also issued a stern warning against complacency and operational negligence.
He specifically directed the Metro Area Commander, who supervises the affected divisions, to ensure strict implementation of all directives and provide effective leadership throughout the enforcement period.
According to the statement, the commissioner emphasized that lapses in supervision or failure to enforce operational orders would not be tolerated.
“The CP stressed that he will not condone negligence, directing the Area Commander Metro who is the supervising officer to provide effective leadership and ensure strict compliance with the directives.”
The warning suggests that performance evaluation of divisional commanders may be tied to their ability to deliver tangible security improvements within the stipulated period.
Recent Operations Yield Results Against Kidnappers and Bandits
The ultimatum comes against the backdrop of recent successes recorded by the FCT Police Command in combating violent crime.
On June 9, police operatives conducted a rescue operation in the Byazhin area of Abuja, resulting in the safe release of five kidnapped victims.
During the operation, two suspected kidnappers were reportedly neutralised.
Subsequent raids targeting criminal hideouts along the Abuja-Niger-Kaduna corridor also led to the dismantling of several bandit camps, arrests of suspects, and destruction of operational bases used by criminal groups.
Security experts say such operations demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing but caution that sustained enforcement and community collaboration will be necessary to achieve long-term security gains.
Residents Urged to Support Police Efforts
The FCT Police Command has called on residents, community leaders, transport operators, and businesses to support ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible intelligence.
Authorities encouraged members of the public to report suspicious movements, criminal activities, and security threats through the nearest police station or designated emergency communication channels.
Police officials maintain that effective crime prevention requires active cooperation between security agencies and the communities they serve.
With armed robbery, “one-chance” attacks, kidnapping, and other criminal activities increasingly drawing public attention, CP Ahmed Sanusi’s two-week ultimatum represents one of the most decisive directives issued by the FCT Police Command this year.
Whether the order translates into a measurable reduction in crime remains to be seen, but the directive has placed Abuja’s 17 divisional commanders under intense scrutiny as authorities seek to reclaim public spaces and strengthen security across Nigeria’s capital city.
Leave a Reply