Take War To Criminals’ Hideouts, Wike Tasks Security Agencies

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has donated 50 operational vehicles to security agencies in the territory, urging them to take the war to the criminals in their hideouts across the FCT.

Wike, while handing over the vehicles in Abuja also urged the security agencies not to give the criminals space or allow them to strike before they go after them.

He said that so far, the FCT Administration has donated 100 operational vehicles to security agencies, with 50 of the vehicles earlier distributed in July.

“You have to take the war to them; let them know that we are serious. This festive period, make sure that we do not give them any gap,” he said.

The minister boasted that there was significant improvement in the security situation in the territory following series of interventions by the current administration.

“People can attest to the fact that there is improvement in security in Abuja. When we came here a year ago, it was not that easy, with people complaining that insecurity has taken over Abuja.

“We engaged the stakeholders in all the Area Councils and assured them that they will see a change and I thank God that people have been confessing that they have seen the change and that they can now sleep with their two eyes closed,” he said.

The minister said that the FCTA was currently building 12 Police Divisional Offices across the six area councils, assuring that the offices would be completed, furnished and handed over to the police hopefully, in April 2025.

According to him, this is part of FCTA’s support to enhance security in the city Centre and the satellite towns.

“Security is key in any government. A government that cannot take care of its people, and protect lives and property has no business to be in government.

“The central thing of governance is security. Once your people can have confidence and can sleep with their two eyes closed, then other things will follow,” he said.

Also speaking, the Director of FCTA’s Security Services Department, Adamu Gwary said that the logistics and operational support was also being extended to organised vigilante and hunters’ groups.

Gwary said that the vigilantes and hunter’s groups were being supported for complementing the efforts of security agencies in rural areas.

He stressed that there was significant drop in the reported cases of crime and criminality in the FCT with particular reference to kidnappings, banditry, herders/farmers clashes and communal clashes.

The FCT director said these security challenges are becoming extinct in the FCT.

The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Olatunji Disu, who spoke on behalf of the security agencies thanked the minister for the continued support.

CP Disu said the donation of the operational vehicles underscored the commitment of the FCT Administration to enhance the operational capabilities of security agencies.

“Your support is not merely logistical; it is a testament to your unwavering belief in our mission to safeguard the lives and properties of all citizens within the FCT.

“These vehicles will significantly enhance our ability to respond swiftly to emergencies, conduct patrols, and engage in community policing initiatives,” the commissioner said.