In a decisive move to combat rising crime, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered a comprehensive security upgrade and enhanced surveillance across the nation’s capital.
The directive has triggered the immediate deployment of a joint “Operation Sweep” squad to secure the city, especially as the yuletide season approaches.
The operation, comprising a task force of the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS), and other agencies, was briefed on Tuesday by the FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh.
Igweh revealed that the team has been strategically deployed to areas most vulnerable to kidnapping and banditry, with a mandate to ensure the safety of all residents.
He announced that the operation has the full backing of the nation’s top security echelons.
“The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Service Chiefs have given their approval for this operation designed to address all criminalities in the FCT,” Igweh stated.
The police commissioner credited Wike for providing the critical logistical support to ensure the mission’s success, assuring that the operational needs of the personnel have been met.
“The FCT minister, His Excellency Nyesom Wike, has given complete support, especially in terms of logistics for this operation.
“He has given approval, and I am sure that by the time we’ll be leaving here today, the funds for fueling, for servicing of the vehicles, and even allowances for the men will be ready,” he said.
The security sweep will also address the influx of beggars into the city centre, whom authorities suspect are sometimes a cover for criminal elements.
Igweh further disclosed that security agencies are collaborating with FCTA departments to tackle the issue, with plans to profile and remove individuals loitering in identified “black spots.”
“We know that amongst people that come, some of them that claim that they are beggars are not exactly beggars.
Most people come with criminal intent.
“We are going to profile them and see those we will take off the streets that are criminally minded, even if they claim they are beggars,” he said.
He added that while the legal framework for the total evacuation of beggars is being perfected, the operation will not hesitate to clear suspicious individuals from the streets.
The joint team has been charged to foster the synergy required to eliminate crimes and criminal hideouts across the FCT.
