The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has assured residents of Abuja of sustained and enhanced security operations in 2026, pledging to consolidate gains recorded in the fight against crime across the territory, even as citizens called for urgent reforms in housing and healthcare delivery.
The assurance was given by the Director of the Security Services Department of the FCTA, Mr. Adamu Gwary, during visits to churches and other strategic locations across the city during crossover night services early Thursday.
Gwary, who was represented by the Secretary, Command and Control, Dr. Peter Olumuji, said the administration, through the Operation Sweep Joint Task Force, would intensify efforts to curb criminal activities in the Federal Capital Territory.
“All the security agencies have assured the Honourable Minister that they will sustain the gains recorded into the new year. Our focus is not only during the Yuletide season, but throughout 2026 and beyond,” he said.
He added that the FCT Commissioner of Police, who leads the joint task force, would soon brief the public on achievements recorded so far in the ongoing security operations.
While commending the administration for its security efforts, residents and religious leaders used the occasion to draw attention to key socio-economic issues requiring government intervention in the new year.
The Vicar of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Kubwa, Prof. Solomon Esomu, urged the FCTA to prioritise affordable housing to make Abuja more inclusive.
“The FCT should be a place where people can truly live. We have many houses, but many residents cannot afford them. We need housing schemes that cater for the poor, the middle class and the rich alike,” Esomu said.
Similarly, the Vice Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), FCT chapter, Pastor Maxwell Gbinije, commended the administration’s performance but called for policies that are more people-centred.
“The FCT Administration should continue the good work, but also remain conscious of the people they are leading,” Gbinije, who pastors The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Utako, said, urging residents to remain hopeful in 2026.
On healthcare, the Pastor-in-Charge of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), New Life Parish, Region 45, Kubwa, Pastor Mike Ayambode, appealed for urgent improvements in hospital infrastructure.
“There are cases where patients are moved from one hospital to another because of lack of beds or space, leading to avoidable deaths. Our hospitals and schools need urgent infrastructure upgrades,” he said.
Also speaking, Pastor Isaac Peter of ECWA Good News Church, PW Kubwa, called on the FCTA to sustain its fight against kidnappings and the notorious one-chance syndicates operating within the territory.
“Insecurity remains a concern, especially one-chance incidents. The government should not relent in its efforts,” he said.
The FCTA reaffirmed that security would remain a top priority in 2026, stressing its continued collaboration with all security agencies to ensure Abuja remains safe for residents and visitors alike.
