Concerned by the recent upsurge in kidnapping and other violent crimes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, the federal government has vowed to intensify efforts to make the nation’s capital inhospitable for bandits and criminal elements. The commitment was conveyed by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, during a town hall meeting with residents of the Bwari Area Council.
Wike revealed that President Bola Tinubu had directed him to provide all necessary resources to equip security agencies in their fight against insurgency in Abuja and its environs. He emphasized that the era of tolerating banditry and criminal activities in the nation’s seat of power was over, and a more proactive approach would be taken.
The Minister had earlier met with heads of security agencies in the FCT, FCT Administration officials, and Area Council Chairmen to discuss the prevailing security situation. Kidnappings and killings have been reported in various parts of the FCT, prompting the government to address the growing security concerns.
During the town hall meeting, Wike assured the residents that the government would spare no effort in safeguarding lives and property. He announced that President Buhari had approved the provision of all necessary equipment to security agencies, ensuring they have the resources required to combat criminal elements effectively.
Expressing the government’s seriousness about addressing the security challenges, Wike stated that the FCT would no longer be a haven for criminals. He highlighted the approval to equip security agencies, emphasizing the commitment to making life difficult for bandits.
In response to the Chairman of Bwari Area Council, John Gabaya, who outlined the vastness and challenging terrain of the council, Wike pledged to provide the necessary logistics to security agencies. Gabaya requested vehicles and motorcycles for effective patrol and surveillance in the council, along with training and retraining for local hunters and villagers involved in community security efforts.
