As Operation Sweep Abuja intensifies in the city centre, fleeing hoodlums have shifted to satellite towns, unleashing violent raids on residents of Kurudu, Kpeyegyi, Gidan Daya, Gidan Mangoro, and Orozo.
Victims say the gangs, armed with machetes, axes, and sledgehammers, break through windows and burglaries, moving house to house in coordinated midnight attacks. Phones, cash, ATM cards and valuables are routinely stolen.
One resident escaped with his daughter by fleeing into the bush, while a woman in Orozo described an invasion by over 50 attackers who operated for hours without challenge. Many lament poor police response, as help often arrives long after the criminals have fled.
Community leaders are calling for Operation Sweep to be extended to the suburbs before the crisis escalates further.
