Police intensify security ahead of ember months, 2027 elections

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has directed area commanders, divisional police officers and tactical commanders to intensify patrols, intelligence gathering and surveillance ahead of the ember months and the 2027 general elections.

Ahmed Sanusi, Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, gave the directive during a strategic meeting with senior operational officers in Abuja on Thursday.

Sanusi said the meeting was convened to review existing security strategies and strengthen the command’s operational readiness to address emerging threats and maintain public safety across the territory.

He charged officers to adopt proactive and intelligence-led policing measures to prevent criminal activities, particularly as increased movement of people and economic activities during the ember months could present additional security challenges.

The police commissioner specifically directed officers to intensify patrols, surveillance and intelligence gathering to prevent armed robbery, kidnapping, car theft and other violent crimes across the FCT.

He also emphasised the need for professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights in the discharge of police duties, urging personnel to remain vigilant and respond promptly to distress calls from residents.

Sanusi said effective policing required officers to anticipate security threats and take preventive measures rather than wait for criminal incidents to occur before responding.

As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, the commissioner directed area commanders and divisional police officers to strengthen visibility policing and identify locations considered vulnerable to criminal activities.

He ordered the identification of potential black spots and targeted raids to disrupt criminal operations and address emerging security threats before they escalate.

The commissioner also stressed the importance of sustained intelligence gathering and strict compliance with electoral security guidelines to ensure a peaceful, safe and orderly electoral process.

He urged operational commanders to strengthen coordination within their respective jurisdictions and ensure that personnel remained prepared to respond effectively to security challenges during the election period.

The FCT Police Command also expressed concern about the growing road construction activities within the city centre and their potential impact on traffic flow.

Sanusi directed the command’s traffic control departments and divisional traffic officers to strengthen traffic management measures and improve coordination of vehicular movement to minimise congestion and prevent obstructions on major roads.

He urged officers deployed to manage traffic to remain courteous and professional while ensuring the smooth movement of vehicles, particularly during peak periods.

The commissioner said effective traffic control was necessary to reduce the difficulties faced by motorists and other road users as construction activities continued across parts of the capital.

Meanwhile, the command appealed to FCT residents to remain security-conscious and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to the nearest police station or through its emergency telephone lines.

Residents were advised to contact the police on 08028940883 and 08032003913 to report security concerns and seek assistance.

The command reiterated the importance of cooperation between the police and members of the public in preventing crime and maintaining security across the territory.