Yuletide: Wike Orders Water-Tight Security In Abuja

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Nyesom Wike, has ordered water- tight- security measures across Abuja, especially increased surveillance at all borders linking neighbouring states and major entry points.

To enforce this directive, the Operation Sweep Squad, comprising a joint military task force, the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies, has been deployed to strategic locations within the nation’s capital.

Addressing the team, the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, urged them to foster the synergy needed to curb crimes across the territory.

He noted that the Minister had provided substantial logistical support to ensure the success of the operation to guarantee the safety of residents.

Dantawaye, who was joined by other heads of security agencies, disclosed that the Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police had also endorsed the operation, particularly as the yuletide season approaches.

He explained that the team had been instructed to focus on areas most vulnerable to kidnapping and banditry to ensure the protection of all residents.

“The FCT Minister, His Excellency Nyesom Wike, has given full support for this operation, especially in terms of logistics. Approval has been granted, and I am confident that before the end of today, funds for fueling, vehicle servicing, and allowances for personnel will be accessible in the designated account,” he said.

On the rising influx of beggars into the city centre, the CP stated that security agencies are working with relevant FCTA departments to address the menace of street begging.

He added that while legal processes for the evacuation of beggars are being finalized, anyone arrested in hotspot areas will be profiled, as some criminals disguise themselves as beggars.

“We are working to perfect the legal framework before taking major action. Naturally, we do not want people loitering around the city under the guise of begging. We know that some individuals who claim to be beggars are not genuine; many come with criminal intent.”

“We will profile them and identify those who are criminally minded, even if they claim to be beggars. For genuine beggars, we are collaborating with the Abuja environmental protection authorities to determine whether there is a need to remove them from the streets,” he added.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji