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Tag: FCT

  • NSCDC arrests 46 suspected criminals in FCT

    NSCDC arrests 46 suspected criminals in FCT

    Operatives of the FCT Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arrested 46 suspected criminals in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

    The FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, said while briefing newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja that 42 male suspects were intercepted while on transit from Zamfara, and four others in possession of stolen armoured cables.

    “Because of their number, my men had to seek the intervention of the Army to aid in the successful arrest of the suspects.

    “We suspect they are fleeing the ongoing onslaught of the military operation in Zamfara as they all claimed to have migrated from the state,” he said.

    According to Odumosu, the suspects have after interrogation, claimed to be on their way to a mining site when they were intercepted.

    “In the course of interrogation, they were unable to disclose the mining site and company name they alleged to be working for.

    “At the time of interception, they had no evidence to show they were going on mining activities which suggested they had a sinister motive.

    “They were in possession of their personal belongings and some other weapon,” he said.

    The commandant, however, said the suspects have been cooperating with the corps in its investigation.

    Odumosu added that the operatives had arrested 27-year-old Bartholomew Anthony, a vigilante group member, in Mabushi area of the FCT in possession of stolen amoured cables, a hacksaw, jack knife, handset and N20,000 cash.

    He said that the suspect gave useful statement that led to the arrest of his three accomplices.

    The commander added that the suspect was allegedly using his membership of a private security outfit to commit heinous acts.

    The commander assured residents that the corps would continue to make the FCT safe from criminal elements.

    He appealed to the public to report all suspicious persons and promised to keep the details of such informants discreet, as security is everyone’s business.

  • Hoodlums attack NAFDAC officials in Abuja

    Hoodlums attack NAFDAC officials in Abuja

    Some hoodlums on Monday attacked officials of NAFDAC who were on enforcement operation against substandard drugs in Abuja.

    The officials were attacked by the hoodlums during a raid at Area 1 motor park.

    The hoodlums harassed the enforcement officers including mobile policemen, and stoned  the Agency’s vehicle, breaking its windscreen.

    It took the effort of police officers, who shot into the air several times, and released teargas to disperse the hoodlums before journalists and the NAFDAC officers could scamper for safety.

    The team leader, Mr Umar-Ahmed Suleiman, an  Assistant Chief Regulatory Officer, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), said the raid followed intelligence received by the Agency of high volume of substandard drugs in the park.

    “This exercise that we just conducted today at Area 1 motor park is as a result of intelligence report received from DSS in 2023, although we have done some part of it then, we are trying to conclude the operation.

    “You can see a lot of drug hawkers relaxed selling their products and people patronising them, that was why we raided the place.

    “What happened is a normal thing to us in the investigation and enforcement unit of NAFDAC.

    “That is why anytime we are going, we go with our armed mobile police officers, and Investigative Police Officers in case of any arrest.

    “On our arrival here today, we swung into action but to my surprise, we have not even done half of the work, when the drug hawkers all absconded, not knowing that they were re-enforcing against NAFDAC.

    “They came back in full force, attacking us, you can see our vehicle how they broke the glass, throwing stones on us.

    “Thank God for the gunshot and teargas released on them and we had to leave the scene,” he said.

    Suleiman, however, said that the enforcement unit would reenforce, prepare more, do the needful.

    He said in spite of the attack, the enforcement team was able to seize some controlled drugs including Rohypnol, Dizapam, Tramadol 500mg, Tramadol 225mg, Cocodamol and so many other afrodisiac with some codeine syrups.

    According to him, the value of the drug seized is more than N5 million.

    “Area 1 motor park is a troublesome area for substandard drug sales and the enforcement unit will be going back there to complete the operation,” he said.

  • Police arrest 307 criminal suspects in Abuja

    Police arrest 307 criminal suspects in Abuja

    The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) says it has raided some criminal hideouts along the Dei-Dei-Zuba axis of the territory and arrested 307 suspects.

    The Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of the FCT, Mr Benneth Igweh, said this during a media briefing on Monday in Abuja.

    He said that the suspects, consisting of 293 males and 14 females, were arrested when he led the tactical team of the command to raid the hideouts on Sunday.

    Igweh said the team was made up of personnel of the newly-inaugurated “Operation Velvet”, initiated to raid marked black spots in the territory.

    The CP said the suspects were arrested in a marked black spot, “Gidan Dambe”, in the Dei-Dei-Zuba axis, where kidnappers from Niger, Kaduna, and other communities usually meet to relax.

    He said one English Pistol with 15 rounds of live ammunition was recovered from one of the suspects who claimed to be personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS).

    Igweh said pistols, motorcycles, drugs of different makes, illicit substances, suspected to be Indian hemp, handsets of different makes, and other dangerous weapons were recovered from the suspects.

    He said that valuables suspected to have been stolen from innocent residents were also recovered.

    The CP said the suspects would be charged to court upon completion of screening and investigation.

    Igweh warned those operating illegal “Gidan Dambe” in the FCT to desist from harbouring criminals or be ready to face the law.

  • Police raid kidnappers den in Abuja, many neutralised

    Police raid kidnappers den in Abuja, many neutralised

    The Police on Saturday said its operatives from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT),  raided kidnappers camp and neutralised many in Mpape area of Abuja.

    A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi in Abuja said the camp was raided at about 2:40am on Feb. 9 following intelligence report.

    He said the successful operation that led to the killing and elimination of many notorious kidnappers, including a kingpin was conducted around Mpape area.

    “The team also destroyed the camps of the dreaded kidnappers who have been thorns in the flesh of Abuja residents in recent times.

    “The armed bandits engaged the police operatives in a gun battle that lasted for about 30 minutes, which left many of the bandits fatally injured, while one of the police operatives sustained bullet wounds.

    “This significant achievement followed the neutralising of another kingpin of the syndicate on Feb. 8, who served as a lead to their hideout,” he said.

    He said the recently neutralised kingpin was the mastermind of  numerous kidnappings for ransom activities plaguing areas including Mpape and Bwari in FCT, Kagarko in Kaduna, Masaka and Nukun Village in Nasarawa State.

    According to him, his modus operandi involved identifying wealthy targets and mobilising armed gangs to carry out abductions for ransom.

    He said the successful raid on their hideout, situated in the outskirts of Mpape Hills, was conducted through a surprise assault, resulting in the elimination of the notorious criminals.

    Adejobi said items recovered from the hideout were mobile phones, multiple SIM cards, charms and hard drugs, which were crucial pieces of evidence aiding ongoing investigations.

    He said efforts were being intensified to recover additional arms and ammunition, as well as other equipment being used by the criminals for their nefarious operations.

    Adejobi said the Nigeria Police would remain resolute in its commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.

    He said the force would continue to employ proactive measures to dismantle criminal networks, and bringing perpetrators of heinous crimes to justice against all odds.

  • Board decries absence of rehabilitation services in PHCs

    Board decries absence of rehabilitation services in PHCs

    The Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Registration Board of Nigeria (MRTB) says the absence of rehabilitation services in Primary Healthcare centres (PHCs) will affect the achievements of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) nationwide.

    Prof. Rufai Ahmad, Registrar/CEO, MRTB, made this known on Saturday in a communique in Abuja.

    Ahmad said only 6,100 physiotherapists, 163 occupational therapists, 103 speech therapists and audiologist and 200 prosthetists and orthotists were registered with the board to cater for the over 200million populace.

    “Many of these professionals have left the country seeking greener pastures.

    “Overwhelming majority of Medical Rehabilitation Professionals are employed in the tertiary hospital centres located in major cities across the States of the Federation.

    “Only few states in the federation can be credited with rehabilitation workforce across secondary health care facilities mostly concentrated in state capitals.

    “There are no rehabilitation services in primary health centres throughout the country,’’he said.

    He, further said that currently, rehabilitation was not included as an essential healthcare service in the implementation of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) at the Primary Health Care Level.

    “This has hindered accessibility to rehabilitation services at the primary and community levels of care,’’ he said.

    He said that in the BHCPF manual, rehabilitation was stated as part of the healthcare services covered by the funds.

    The Registrar also lamented the absence of policy or institutional framework for the coordination and implementation of rehabilitation initiatives and programmes in Nigeria.

    He said: “Federal Ministry of Health is the superintending arm of the government of the federation on health.

    ” Presently, there is no direct presence of rehabilitation services and personnel in the ministry.

    “There is also no policy or institutional framework for the coordination and implementation of rehabilitation initiatives and programmes in Nigeria.’’

    He said  that the board in collaboration with other stakeholders, held a training, practice and regulation meeting in November 2023 and  highlighted challenges and strategies on implementing the WHO rehabilitation 2030 agenda in Nigeria.

    “Stakeholders observed the lack of a National Policy on rehabilitation

    “Resolution, inadequate National Health Insurance Authority package for rehabilitation, equipment were not readily available and expensive where available.

    “Also, children with disability have difficulty with integration into schools, funding for rehabilitation was scarce and reliable and valid data on rehabilitation were not readily available,’’ he said.

    The Registrar, therefore, appealed for the implementation of the resolutions, which include national policy on rehabilitation, establish and regulate medical rehabilitation programmes in institutions, among others,’’ he said.

  • Police arrest 6 robbery suspects in Abuja

    Police arrest 6 robbery suspects in Abuja

    The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) says it has arrested six suspected armed robbers in the Utako area of Abuja.

    This is contained in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, on Friday in Abuja.

    According to her ,the suspects were arrested on Feb. 7 during a coordinated  operation.

    She said the suspects were arrested in an uncompleted hospital building, marked as a black spot in Utako Village by operatives from Utako Divisional Headquarters.

    Adeh said a locally made pistol, two live cartridges and wraps of substances, suspected to be marijuana, were recovered from the suspects.

    She said the suspects were all from neighbouring states bordering the FCT.

    According to her, further investigation about the recovered ammunition, led to the arrest of the leader of the robbery syndicate, who is  an ex-convict.

    She said the Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of the FCT, Mr Benneth Igweh, had pledged the unwavering commitment of the command to making Abuja a hell for criminals and ensure safety of all.

    The CP urged residents to report suspicious activities to the command through 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653 and 08028940883.

  • NAFDAC penalises pizza outlets in FCT over use of expired seasoning

    NAFDAC penalises pizza outlets in FCT over use of expired seasoning

    The FCT Directorate of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it has penalised two pizza outlets in the FCT for using expired dough blend seasoning.

    The FCT Director of the agency, Mr Ozigis Abdulsalam, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

    He stated that the FCT department of the agency acted upon an intelligence information and carried out inspection on pizza outlets and discovered that two of them were using expired dough blend seasoning.

    He added that the two outlets were also using deep ham slices in the preparation of their pizzas.

    He said that the act amounted to dereliction of best practices “and can jeopardise food safety and lead to public health issue.”

    Abdulsalam added that the ingredients were seized and the company was penalised.

    According to him, the company is expected to submit an undertaking not to be found engaging in such poor practice again.

  • DRTS stops registration of dispatch riders in FCT

    DRTS stops registration of dispatch riders in FCT

    The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) in the FCT will no longer register dispatch riders over their non-compliance to traffic rules and regulations in the territory.

    The Head of Public Relations and Enlightenment of the service, Mr Kalu Emetu, made this known in an interview with NAN on Friday in Abuja.

    “We have been having series of engagements with the riders for them to see reason to obey traffic rules and regulations but to no avail.

    “This is what informed our resolve to stop further registration. 2,500 of them have been cleared to operate within the FCT so far.

    “The Public Transport Mass Scheme, the unit in the DRTS that is responsible for regulating their activities have been engaging the operators and the owners, but that had so far yielded very little result’’, Emetu said.

    He explained that since some of the riders were registered through their companies and there is need for the companies to help caution them to desist from going contrary to the rules.

    “So, based on all these worrisome activities especially riding against traffic, speeding and reckless riding, we decided to stop further registration to contend with the activities of the operators headlong.

    “We have also come to realise that registering more of them would constitute more public nuisance’, he said.

    Emetu said that so far many of the riders have been arrested and their motorcycle dumped at Wuye office of the service, but yet so many are not deterred on reckless and non-adherent misconduct on the roads, `he said.

    He said that the service was considering restricting them to particular routes to check their menace especially within the city centre.

    “For instance, those that based or reside in Gwagwalada axis will only be allowed to operate between Lugbe and Gwagwalada, while those in Kubwa axis will only operate between Zuba and the city centre’, he said.

    He expressed optimism that when the new modalities come on board, it would no doubt checkmate the worrisome activities of the riders especially in the city centre.

  • Wike charges FCT Council Chairmen to stay in their domains

    Wike charges FCT Council Chairmen to stay in their domains

    The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has admonished the area council chairmen in the territory to stay in their domains and develop the communities.

    Wike stated this on Wednesday in Yangoji, while inaugurating the construction of 11-kilometre rural road to connect Sukuku Ebo and Yangoji communities in Kwali Area Council of the FCT.

    “Continue to stay at home. Don’t come to the city regularly. Stay there and do the work. My own is to support you.

    “If you don’t do well for rural communities, you will create problems for the city,” he said.

    The Minister assured that the FCT Administration will continue to work with chairmen of FCT area councils to drive development in rural areas.

    Specifically, Wike promised to complete all abandoned projects in the Abaji and other area councils, stressing that era of abandoned projects was over.

    He said: “We are touching rural areas to renew their hope because they have suffered years of abandonment.

    “This is your time to benefit. If we don’t take care of rural areas, then we have failed as a government.”.

    The minister explained that the rural road intervention and other infrastructural development earmarked for rural communities was in fulfillment of President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.

    According to him, the current government will be a complete failure if it fails to impact rural communities positively.

    The Minister was conferred with the traditional title of “Kauran” Kwali (fiercest and most courageous warrior) by the Kwali community,

    While thanking the people for the honour bestowed him, Wike promised not to let them down.

    He particularly promised to lead security agencies in the fight against bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements terrorising the city and rural areas.

    Earlier, the Chairman, Kwali Area Council, Mr Danladi Chiya, thanked President Tinubu for approving the construction of three rural roads in each of the six area councils.

    Chiya said that the gesture would complement the efforts of the Kwali area council in improving infrastructure for the benefit of the people.

    He said that his administration had constructed and rehabilitated 11.3-kilometre roads and graded 13 kilometre additional roads to ease the movement of his people and drive economic activities.

    The chairman appealed to the minister to complete the roads and other projects abandoned by the FCTA in the area.

    Dr Olusegun Olusa, Oversite Director, Satellite Towns Development Department, FCTA, explained that the project, awarded to Gilmor Engineering Nigeria Ltd, would be completed by May.

    The traditional leader of the area, the Chief of Pai, Alhaji Abubakar Sani. thanked President Tinubu and Wike for the commitment to provide infrastructure in rural communities, particularly roads.

    Sani said that the road, when completed, would make it easier for farmers to transport their farm produce and improve security in the area.

    He appealed that the gesture should be extended to primary healthcare centres to improve the quality of health services in rural areas.

    NAN

  • Wike pledges to complete all abandoned projects in FCT area councils

    Wike pledges to complete all abandoned projects in FCT area councils

    The Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, has promised to complete all abandoned projects across the six Area Councils of the territory.

    Wike gave the assurance in Kuje on Monday, while inaugurating a five-kilometre dual carriageway in Kuje, Kuje Area Council of the federal capital.

    “Any project that was awarded before now, and abandoned, we have to go back to those projects, because government is continuum.

    “It is public money, so we cannot allow government money to be wasted simply because we were not the one that awarded it, no.

    “We will continue with those projects since it will have a positive impact on the lives of our people. That is what is important to us, and we are going to do it,” he said.

    He explained that the five-kilometre road project was nominated by the Kuje Area Council Chairman, Mr Abdullahi Sabo.

    He said that the project was part of efforts of the current administration to take development to rural communities, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.

    He said that transforming the rural economies through the provision of road infrastructure has nothing to do with a political party, but simply about good governance.

    “This has nothing to do with a party; this is about governance; this is about touching every rural area, and every area council.

    “Whether All Progressive Congress is in charge of this area council, or Peoples Democratic Party is in charge, or no party is in charge, we are going to touch every area council.

    “That is the directive of President Tinubu,” the minister said.

    Wike disclosed that in the next one or two weeks, the FCT Administration would begin a total renovation of not less than 25 schools and complete abandoned hospital projects.

    He said: “We are not just talking about only roads, we are also talking about schools, we are also going to come to hospitals that have been abandoned.

    “Take for example, the Utako General Hospital that has not been completed; the General Hospital Gwagwalada. We are going to put them in order for the use of our people.”

    Earlier, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud said that while urban development often takes the spotlight, it is imperative not to overlook the needs of rural communities.

    “I have no doubt that rural road infrastructure forms the backbone of rural economies and contributes significantly to the overall development of a nation.

    “Improved road networks that connect rural producers to markets, enabling them to sell their goods at fair prices and access essential services more easily.

    “This enhances productivity, creates employment opportunities, and stimulates local economies,” Mahmoud said.

    The Chairman of the council, Sabo, described the event as the first of its kind since the return of democracy in 1999.

    The chairman said that the dualisation of the road would solve the challenges of perennial flood and overflow of drainages along the road during the rainy season.

    He pledged the council’s continued support to complement Wike’s efforts to bring development to the people.

    The traditional leader of the area, the Gomo of Kuje, Alhaji Haruna Jibrin, commended the minister for the commitment to renew the hope of residents.

    Jibrin said that the road, when completed, would improve the movement of people in the area and enhance economic growth and development.

    He further announced the conferment of the traditional title of the “Jikan Dan Majidadin” (A symbol of Goodwill) Kuje, making the third traditional title conferred on the minister.

    He was conferred with the traditional title of “Sarkin Yaki” (Warlord) of Paikon Kore by the Aguma of Gwagwalada, Chief Mohammad Magaji and the “Barde of Bwari” (Warrior of Bwari) by the Esu Bwari, Mr Ibrahim Yaro.

    Dr Olusegun Olusa, Oversite Director, Satellite Towns Development Department, FCTA, explained that the project, awarded to Gilmor Engineering Nigeria Ltd, was a dual carriageway from Tipper Junction to LEA Secretariat, Kuje.

    A developer, Mr Patrick Ojo, who spoke on the sideline of the event, said that the project would impact tremendously on the people of Kuje.

    Ojo said that the journey from Kuje to Gwagwalada, through the road should be less than seven minutes’ drive but taking longer due to traffic congestion on the road.

    “So, the project, when completed, will decongest this road and will by effect, also allow free flow of traffic,” he said.

    Wike had on Feb. 1, inaugurated an emergency construction and rehabilitation of nine-kilometre Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road, in Gwagwalada Area Council.

    The minister had also inaugurated the construction of 7.2-kilometre road, linking Gaba and Tokulo communities in Bwari Area Council of the FCT, as part of efforts to transform rural economies.