Markets are recognized as systemic nodes that support a wide range of activities both within and outside of cities. They are very interesting spaces that, when properly studied, reveal cultural, political, social, and economic systems. In the last decade, the FCT began to record outbursts of attacks, fire accidents, bomb explosions, and religious conflict amongst others which could or could not be linked to any terroristic activities or groups. Many traders and citizens bemoan these occurrences and the consequences for livelihood and basic daily activities.

Policing in Nigeria’s Northern region has changed dramatically in the last 20 years. Civil society partnerships, facilities, and physical infrastructure (buildings, vehicles, cameras and basic forensic equipment, telephones) provided by the state and federal government to support effective and efficient policing have been impacted. As a result, the visibility of security services, officials, and even community confidence and trust is compromised.

Taking into account the political, social, and economic nature of both spaces, this project pinpoints security response spaces such as police stations, military bases and outposts, and other defense units across the eight (8) Area Councils in Abuja – Abaji, Abuja FCC, AMAC East, AMAC West, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali, determines the total number and notes its proximity to adjacent markets using Google Earth and Geographic Information provided by relevant government organizations.

The two-year-long research aims to visually represent the categories and clusters of security organizations by FCC Phase and Area Council, identify policing gaps and track travel routes and response time for security organizations to adequately respond to emergency calls or access crime scenes.

The project is in its final stage as data and information gathered are being analysed and compiled. Project insights are to be published by the second quarter of 2023.