By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ahmed Sanusi, has unveiled a renewed security strategy aimed at strengthening policing in satellite towns and intensifying stop-and-search operations across Abuja.
Speaking during a news briefing on Wednesday, Sanusi acknowledged longstanding concerns over low police visibility in suburban communities, attributing the gap to manpower shortages.
He, however, assured residents that the situation would improve in the coming days.
“We know that we have a problem of manpower… but within the next few days, you will see our policemen almost everywhere,” he said.
To address the shortfall, the command has ordered a 50 per cent reduction in personnel at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), with affected officers to be redeployed to divisions and area commands.
The move, he explained, is designed to boost patrols and enhance community policing efforts.
“I am not comfortable with the number of persons in the CID… they are too many. We need men at the divisions and area commands,” Sanusi added.
The commissioner noted that the redeployment would significantly improve visibility policing, particularly in satellite communities that have repeatedly raised concerns about inadequate security presence.
Stop-and-Search to Continue
Sanusi reaffirmed that stop-and-search operations will remain a core policing strategy, especially in crime-prone areas across the FCT.
“Stop and search is a normal routine and we intend to sustain it… areas that are more prone to such offences, the intensity will be more,” he stated.
He explained that officers are mandated to carry out vehicle boot checks, citing intelligence that kidnappers sometimes conceal victims in car trunks.
Motorists have also been directed to wind down tinted windows at checkpoints to aid visibility.
“It is our duty to check the boot… some persons can be kidnapped and placed there,” he said.
Crackdown on Police Misconduct
On internal discipline, the police chief struck a firm tone, admitting the presence of corrupt officers within the force and vowing decisive action.
“Some of the men are dangerously corrupt… and we need to fish them out,” he said.
He urged residents to report cases of extortion through official police channels, assuring prompt response and enforcement.
Sanusi also disclosed plans to collaborate with civil society organisations to monitor police conduct and detention facilities.
Responding to Security Threats
Highlighting recent operations, the CP cited the deployment of officers to contain a communal clash in Kwali, noting that suspects are being tracked and will be brought to justice.
“Those involved will definitely face the law,” he said.
He added that proactive policing measures have helped curb infrastructure vandalism, revealing that there have been no recent incidents of manhole theft following targeted interventions.
Call for Public Cooperation
Reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, Sanusi called for sustained public support in tackling insecurity.
“We cannot do this alone… we need feedback from members of the public,” he said.
