Abuja Neighborhood Installs Iron Barriers, Hires Vigilante Over Car Theft Surge
Residents of Area D in Nyanya, Abuja, have taken their security into their hands following a surge in armed robberies and car theft that have left the community vulnerable.
The neighbourhood with over one hundred buildings has been repeatedly targeted by criminals in recent months, with three vehicles stolen in one week.
The area, which hosts the Nigeria Police Mopol 21 and shares a boundary with Nyanya General Hospital, has become a hotspot for criminals despite its proximity to Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria police formations.
A resident who spoke to THE WHISTLER on condition of anonymity described the alarming trend as tiring.
“We are tired,” the resident in his late 40s lamented.
“The robbers came at night through the ceiling while a family was asleep, only for them to wake up and realize their house had been raided and the husband’s car stolen.
“That same night, they returned and stole another tenant’s car. Mind you, the woman usually removed her car battery, yet the robbers brought their own and pushed the car away.
“We were still discussing this incident when they struck again the following week, making it three cars in the space of one week,” he recounted.
Investigations by THE WHISTLER revealed that neighbouring communities named Area A, B, C, E, and F were recently attacked by robbers.
The criminals, reportedly numbering at least ten and armed with knives, have also extended their attacks to a neighbouring community known as the Elite Section of Nyanya (Phase Four).
Following the persistent security breaches, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) patrolled the area on Saturday, March 1, using armoured tanks.
In response, the Area D community has taken matters into its own hands. A letter obtained by THE WHISTLER, titled “Area D Community Forum: Formation of Area D”, announced the establishment of a security forum to address the worsening insecurity.
Signed by the Community Chairman, Ndiyo Asiya, and the community Secretary Nwaozuzu Everest, the letter stated, “The main aim and objective of this forum is for SECURITY OF LIVES/PROPERTIES AND FOSTER UNITY AMONG AREA D RESIDENTS.”
Asiya further disclosed that the community had finalized plans to install iron bars at all four entry points and engage vigilantes starting in April 2025.
“We have received cooperation from some residents, while others show no concern,” he noted.
“To that effect, all flats under Area D are expected to contribute N2,500 each for iron-bar installation and a monthly payment of N1,000 for the vigilante group. You can pay as many months ahead as you are able.”
He urged residents to see the security initiative as a collective necessity, noting that the community’s safety depended on their cooperation.
Abuja Neighborhood Installs Iron Barriers, Hires Vigilante Over Car Theft Surge is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
