The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has rolled out new police divisions in remote and border communities across Abuja to bring security closer to residents.
This follows renewed security concerns recorded between late 2023 and early 2024 in areas such as Abaji, Kwali and Bwari, where kidnappings and bandit attacks became common.
Wike said the expansion is tied to his pledge to “decentralise policing and bring safety nearer to residents.”
He ordered the construction of two more divisional stations across the six area councils to allow faster response to emergencies.
During an inspection on Thursday, on the 30th of October, 2025, work was ongoing at sites in Tukashare and Saburi in AMAC, Bako in Kwali, Yaba in Abaji, Giri in Gwagwalada and Ushafa in Bwari.
In Saburi, the divisional headquarters and staff quarters are already close to completion.
The main structure has offices for the DPO, his secretary and other personnel, as well as two holding cells fitted with toilets and bathrooms.
The residential block contains six two-bedroom apartments with kitchens, dining space and three toilets each.
Project engineer Ahmed Yahaya confirmed progress.
“We have completed electrical and plumbing works and are now on finishing fittings. By tomorrow, we’ll commence industrial cleaning, and in two days we should start painting,” he said.
At the Yaba Divisional Station, which sits close to the Niger State border, site engineer Ayinde Adewale said work will be concluded before the November deadline due to funding from the FCT Administration.
“With the level of funding support, we have no doubt about completing on time,” he said.
Adewale added that Yaba’s position on a route linking Niger and Kogi States makes the station strategic for blocking criminal movement.
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Residents welcomed the project.
Farmer Musa Yakubu from Yaba said the police presence is already boosting confidence in local trade.
“People can now trade their farm produce freely because the fear is reducing,” he said.
A petty trader, Ibrahim Danladi, shared a similar view.
“We are beginning to feel safer again; people no longer rush home early because of fear,” he said.
Officials said the new divisions follow a national prototype design approved by the Inspector-General of Police for better functionality and comfort.
According to the FCT Director of Security Services, the stations meet national standards that support improved policing and better working conditions for officers.