The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has directed the Chairmen of the six Area Councils in the territory to enhance the local vigilance teams by meeting their needs adequately.

Addressing stakeholders and residents at a security town hall meeting in Kwali Area Council, Wike assured swift deployment of additional security vehicles, and he urged the councils to provide more motorcycles to support the vigilance teams.

Wike emphasized the government’s commitment to improving security, stating, “I can assure you that in a matter of days you will be hearing positive stories. We are ready to support our security agencies, whatever they need to ensure that our people can sleep with their two eyes closed.”

He acknowledged the importance of information from residents and highlighted the role of vigilance teams in gathering timely information to aid security agencies.

Addressing concerns about bad roads contributing to kidnapping incidents, the Minister urged the council chairman to recommend additional roads for reconstruction.

He promised that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration would not abandon the people of FCT and emphasized collaboration with traditional rulers and the community to identify infrastructure needs.

Wike assured the community that the government would address their concerns, stating, “We won’t abandon any project. If we don’t have the money, we won’t embark on any project.” The collaborative efforts between the FCT Administration, local councils, and residents aim to enhance security and infrastructure development in the region.

The Kwali Area Council Chairman, Danladi Chiya, outlined challenges, including security issues and the need for a police division in Gwako and a military base in another part of the council. He sought the Minister’s intervention for road repairs, increased military presence, additional police stations, and support for vigilance teams.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is set to implement a recertification process for all taxis, including ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt, as part of comprehensive measures to curb the rising incidents of taxi robberies, commonly known as ‘one chance.’

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, announced this initiative during a media interface in Abuja.

Acknowledging the persistent challenge of criminals posing as taxi operators to carry out abductions, robberies, and sometimes violence, Wike emphasized the need for proactive measures.

He outlined the plan to disallow vehicles without FCT colors, signifying registration and approval by the FCTA, from operating commercially. This measure aims to enhance passenger safety and reduce the risk of boarding unregistered vehicles.

The Minister clarified that the recertification process would extend to ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt. He highlighted the importance of certifying and profiling drivers to enhance security and ensure adherence to regulations in the city. Wike stated, “It tells you who the drivers are. We need to certify them. We need to profile them using the security agencies.”

Expressing surprise at the absence of a single loading terminal in the world-class capital city of Abuja, Wike revealed plans to establish at least three terminals in the current fiscal year. These terminals will provide a centralized and regulated space for taxis and buses, allowing for better control and monitoring of vehicles and drivers.

Wike emphasized that the introduction of terminals and the recertification process would contribute to reducing crime significantly, although complete elimination may not be possible. He stated, “I am not saying that with the provision of all these that you won’t have one or two crimes. No, it is not possible to eliminate crimes completely, but you can reduce it drastically.”

The FCTA’s proactive approach seeks to enhance public safety, restore confidence in taxi services, and create a more secure transportation environment in Abuja.

President Bola Tinubu has given approval for the emergency procurement of digital tracking tools to strengthen security efforts in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), according to the Minister of FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike. The disclosure was made during a media interface on Monday, where Minister Wike highlighted the significance of the newly approved measures in combating kidnappings.

While refraining from divulging intricate details, Wike emphasized the cooperation received from recently arrested informants, stating that their actionable intelligence has contributed to successful operations leading to the apprehension of kidnappers, as demonstrated by recent Police parades.

Acknowledging past challenges due to inadequate equipment, Wike expressed optimism that the emergency procurement would mark a turning point. He stressed the importance of providing security agencies with essential tools and equipment, including vehicles and advanced tracking devices.

Wike remarked, “Security is not just about these equipment. You also have to motivate the personnel.” He highlighted the significance of both equipment and personnel motivation in ensuring an effective response to security threats.

The Minister assured the public that security efforts are underway and that the emergency procurement approval by President Tinubu will address deficiencies in equipment. He emphasized the need for prompt responses, stating, “If you have these equipment, you don’t need to seek approval of your headquarters to begin to track the criminals.”

In addition to the procurement measures, Wike announced the intention to establish a Joint Task Force with a full command and control structure in the FCT to enhance responses to security emergencies. While acknowledging associated costs and time, he stressed the importance of covering the identified gaps in the security framework.

Addressing concerns about informants, Wike stated, “The efforts of our security agencies have yielded the arrests of informants who have told us what they were planning.” He reassured the public that comprehensive measures are being taken to ensure the protection of lives and property, urging citizens not to panic.

The emergency procurement approval is a significant step towards bolstering security measures and ensuring the safety of residents in the Federal Capital Territory. The government is committed to addressing existing challenges and reinforcing the security apparatus in the region.