The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has provided 50 operational vehicles equipped with communication gadgets to various security agencies to bolster the fight against insecurity in the territory.
Wike, while handing over the vehicles in Abuja on Friday, emphasized that the initiative aims to support security agencies with the necessary logistics to combat crime effectively in the FCT.
The allocation of vehicles includes 24 for the FCT Police Command, eight for the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, six for Advance Party/Security Monitoring of the FCT Administration, and five for the Department of State Services.
Additionally, the Guard Brigade of the Nigerian Army received three vehicles, while the Nigeria Air Force, Naval Unit, Nigerian Immigration Service, and National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency received one vehicle each.
“We are not just focusing on infrastructure and development in the Area Councils; we are prioritizing security, a key agenda in the renewed hope mantra,” Wike stated. “Providing security to protect lives and property is a top priority for President Bola Tinubu.”
He highlighted that ensuring the security of citizens is a fundamental responsibility of any leader. “It is not the President’s responsibility to identify criminals or engage them directly. Our role is to equip security agencies with the necessary tools to ensure our safety,” he said.
Wike urged residents to support and pray for security agencies, acknowledging the risks they face. He commended the agencies for reducing crime rates in the FCT and promised continued support by providing essential tools.
The minister also warned against the misuse of the vehicles, stressing, “These vehicles are not for private use. They should be used for their intended purpose of enhancing security.”
Earlier, the Director of the Security Services Department, Mr. Adamu Gwary, noted the growing security concerns in and around the FCT. He expressed confidence that the new vehicles would enhance the capacity of security agencies to combat crime and respond promptly to distress situations.
“Crime prevention is a collective responsibility. All hands must remain on deck to ensure the safety and security of all,” Gwary said.
Speaking on behalf of the security agencies, the Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, FCT Command, expressed gratitude to Wike for their continued support. Represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Kayode Ojakinwa, Igweh assured that the vehicles would be used effectively for the security of all.
According to reports the minister had previously donated 100 motorcycles to security agencies on April 16 to combat crime in hard-to-reach communities.
