FCT Police Chief Gives Officers Two Weeks to End Robbery Wave

June 23, 2026 3 min read

The Commissioner of Police in Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory has ordered all Divisional Police Officers in the Abuja metro area to reduce robbery and traffic-related crimes within 14 days. The ultimatum comes amid growing public frustration over violent crime affecting residents and commuters in the nation's capital.

Police Chief Issues Direct Ultimatum

Announcing the directive, the FCT Police Command made clear that officers who fail to demonstrate measurable results within the two-week window will face consequences. The order targets specifically robbery incidents and traffic violations that have plagued main roads and residential areas across the capital territory.

The command did not specify exactly what penalties await underperforming DPOs, but senior police sources indicated that dismissals and redeployment would be considered. The move signals an unusually aggressive approach from police leadership, who are under pressure to restore public confidence in safety.

Crime Wave Triggers Resident Alarm

Residents of Abuja have reported a spike in armed robberies targeting drivers, pedestrians, and homes over recent months. Local media outlets have documented cases where criminals operated with apparent boldness, sometimes during daylight hours on busy corridors connecting the city's districts.

Traffic-related offences have compounded the problem, with reports of hit-and-run incidents, reckless driving, and vehicle theft adding to the sense of insecurity. Community leaders in areas like Maitama, Gwarinpa, and Lugbe have publicly appealed to authorities for stronger enforcement.

Previous Security Measures Fell Short

The FCT Police Command has launched multiple operations against criminal elements this year, yet arrest figures suggest recidivism remains high. Police recovered weapons and made dozens of arrests during a clampdown in the second quarter, but residents argue that visible crime has not declined proportionately.

Officers cited for poor performance in the new assessment will be required to submit weekly crime reports directly to police headquarters. The Commissioner warned that the two-week timeline is non-negotiable and that accountability begins at the divisional level.

Officers Brace for Intensive Patrols

Divisional Police Officers across the FCT met with senior commanders to discuss operational strategies for meeting the deadline. Sources within the command said discussions centred on increasing foot patrols, setting up vehicle checkpoints, and improving response times to emergency calls.

One senior officer told reporters the directive would require officers to work extended shifts and coordinate more closely with neighbourhood watch groups. The command is also considering expanding surveillance in known crime hotspots to gather intelligence on organised groups operating within the territory.

Residents Await Visible Results

Public reaction to the ultimatum has been mixed. Some residents welcomed the firm stance, saying previous warnings to police lacked teeth. Others expressed scepticism, noting that similar promises in past years produced limited lasting change.

A trader in Wuse market said criminal activity has hurt business, with some customers avoiding certain areas after dark. The FCT Police Public Relations Officer confirmed that the command has received numerous complaints from residents and business owners since the directive was issued.

Command Faces Pressure from Multiple Directions

The police leadership is navigating competing demands as crime statistics attract scrutiny from government officials and the media. Nigeria's Inspector General of Police has repeatedly instructed state commands to reduce criminality ahead of upcoming security reviews.

The FCT, as the seat of federal government, receives heightened attention whenever security deteriorates. The command must balance aggressive crime suppression with avoiding rights violations that could spark controversy. Human rights groups have previously criticised heavy-handed police tactics in the territory.

Deadline Approaches as Officers Mobilise

The two-week countdown began this week, meaning all divisional commanders must show documented reductions in robbery and traffic offences by the deadline. Senior police officials will conduct spot checks and review incident logs to verify claims of improvement.

The outcome of this enforcement drive will likely shape reassignments and promotions within the FCT Command. If results fall short, the Commissioner has indicated further structural changes may follow. Security analysts say the coming fortnight will serve as a test of whether top-down pressure can translate into genuine improvements on Abuja's streets. Residents and business owners will be watching closely for signs that the streets have become safer.