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Tag: FCT

  • Wike pledges positive news in efforts to tackle insecurity

    Wike pledges positive news in efforts to tackle insecurity

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says residents of the territory will get positive news within days with regards to efforts being made to tackle insecurity in the FCT.

    “I can assure you that in a matter of days, you will be hearing positive stories,” Wike told a townhall meeting in Kwali on Tuesday.

    “We are ready to support our security agencies with whatever they need to ensure that our people can sleep with their two eyes closed.

    “We are going to provide the councils with motorcycles to support the vigilante groups so that they can get information and assist our security agencies,” he added.

    The minister directed chairmen of the six areas councils in the territory to strengthen and motivate local vigilante groups as part of measures to reinforce community policing.

    Wike also asked the councils to procure more motorcycles for the vigilante groups, to enable them navigate difficult terrains while supporting security agencies.

    He said that the FCT Administration would soon conclude the procurement processes for more operational vehicles to support security agencies in the discharge of their responsibilities.

    “For me, whatever that is going to bring development or improve security, the government has no hesitation in doing it,” he said, adding that residents should support the security agencies with actionable information to address any security threat.

    “We need information from you because without information, the security agencies would have little or nothing to do; if you give them information on time, they will make sure that bad things don’t happen,” Wike said.

    On infrastructure, the minister promised to construct two roads in each of the six area councils, in addition to the ones being constructed.

    The minister said that henceforth the FCT annual budget would rely on inputs from the people.

    “Every year, before submitting any budget proposal to the National Assembly, I will meet with traditional rulers and the people to get their inputs.

    “This is by way of getting them to recommend people-oriented projects that can be incorporated into the budget; we will not abandon you. We will make sure we develop the area councils.

    “Before the end of the tenure of President Tinubu, you will see a lot of infrastructure going on in the area councils.”

    Earlier, Kwali Area Council Chairman, Mr Danladi Chiya, appealed for the establishment of a police divisional office and military base in some parts of the area council.

    Chiya also complained of bad roads, which according to him, have contributed to the rising insecurity in the area.

    “The roads are not motorable, come to our aid to help put the roads in good shape. That will help reduce the incidences of kidnapping.

    “We also require further military presence. We need more police stations especially in Gwako which has become a haven for these bad elements.

    “We also need motorcycles for the vigilante groups. I have given them some, but we need more,” he said.

  • FCT confirms 2 cases of Lassa fever

    FCT confirms 2 cases of Lassa fever

    The Mandate Secretary, FCT Health Services and Environment, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, says two Lassa fever cases have been confirmed in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) out of four suspected cases.

    Fasawe disclosed this on Monday at a news conference on the latest outbreak of the disease in Abuja.

    Lassa fever is one of the viral hemorrhagic diseases and is caused by the Lassa virus.

    Reported in other countries like Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, Nigeria is fast becoming endemic with hot spot states including Edo, Ondo and Delta States.

    According to Fasawe, annually, the FCT experiences sporadic infections between November and April so the city is in the middle of an outbreak.

    She also said that the FCT has inaugurated the Emergency Operations Center to achieve a coordinated sub national response and interrupt the transmission as soon as possible.

    Giving a national update on the disease, she said that as at Monday, Nigeria had recorded cumulatively 486 suspected cases, confirmed 134 cases with 21 deaths giving a case fatality rate of 15.7 per cent.

    She, however, added that though the FCT has recorded four suspected cases and confirmed two, adding that there has been no related death from the disease.

    The mandate secretary said that the first case was of a 14-month old female.

    Narrating how the two confirmed cases came about, she said that on Jan. 15, the FCT Public Health Department received an alert of Lassa fever from a clinician in Bwari General Hospital.

    “A Rapid Response Team was mobilised to investigate the cases and it was revealed that the two children were high risk contacts of their mother.

    “Samples were collected and sent to the National Reference Lab for confirmation.

    “The deceased was a confirmed case, diagnosed at the Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi.

    “Following her demise, the father travelled on the Jan. 9, to Bauchi to bring back the children who had accompanied their mother to Bauchi and returned to the FCT on Jan. 12.”

    She added that the father later presented the children to Bwari General Hospital and the facility notified the Public Health Department and response commenced.

    Fasawe said that the case was investigated due to high index of suspicion and daily monitored them for symptoms.

    “The result came back positive for the 14 month old and negative for the 13-year-old.

    “The 14 month old is currently on treatment and the 13-year-old is currently on prophylaxis (prevention),’’ she said.

    On second case, she said that it involved a 15-year-old female who was confirmed on Jan. 17 at the Abuja University Teaching Hospital.

    According to her, both cases are unrelated and they are both receiving care and are responding to treatment. Those contacts have been listed and were being followed up for 21 days.

    “The disease is transmitted through a multi-mammate rat which serves as the reservoir of the virus.

    “These rats transmit the virus when they contaminate food and water.  The virus is also transmitted through contact with body fluids of infected persons like blood, vomitus and feces.

    “About 80 per cent of the cases are said to be asymptomatic while 20 per cent the disease progresses with a variety of severity.

    “Symptoms are non-specific and mimic other infectious diseases. However, common signs and symptoms to look out for include high fever (38.5 degrees) which is usually not responsive to routine treatment, chest pain, vomiting and diarrhea.

    “The late-stage disease is characterised by bleeding from orifices and multi-organ shut down.’’

    Fasawe, who said that though there was no cause for alarm, said basic precautions should be employed.

    “These include not exposing food to the possibility of rat droplets, early report to the nearest health center while all suspected cases should be reported to the nearest health facility.’’

    She appealed to clinicians in both public and private health facilities to have a high index of suspicion and that suspected cases should be referred to the designated treatment centers located in the National Hospital, Abuja and the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada.

    Fasawe also gave designated phone numbers to be called if any suspected cases arise.

    They are 08033156560 and 09084000085.

    NAN

  • Wike warns against politicisation of insecurity in FCT

    Wike warns against politicisation of insecurity in FCT

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has warned against politicisation of insecurity in Abuja.

    Wike, who gave the warning during a media chat in Abuja on Monday, added that politicians were cashing out on the current security challenges to cause panic among FCT residents.

    He expressed concern that instead of commending the efforts of security agencies in addressing insecurity, some residents have continued to create panic by dishing out false alarms.

    The minister, who commended security agencies for the efforts so far, said that the media chats present an opportunity to update Nigerians as regard the issues of security in FCT.

    He stressed that the security agencies should be commended for the successes being recorded so far, rather than the political propaganda that security in FCT has collapsed to cause panic.

    “After the first kidnapping incident in Bwari, President Tinubu summoned the service chiefs and my humble self and within a few days you have seen what they have achieved.

    “But nobody is talking about that. Nobody has come to commend them. All you here security has collapsed,” he complained.

    Wike also condemned claims by some activists that the demolition of shanties was responsible for insecurity in FCT, adding that twisting government efforts for political gains is not the way to go.

    He therefore called on residents to give the government the needed support and desist from generalising security issues as if it was a daily occurrence.

    According to him, nobody is happy that kidnapping is rearing its ugly head in FCT.

    “Nigerians forget easily and that is why we have always said let’s not play politics with the issue of security.

    “Remember, some time ago, in the last administration, we were told that bandits came to Kuje prison and wrecked havoc. Nobody said there was no Minister of FCT. There was a minister.

    “Nobody talks about FCT being the capital. Remember, there was an administration where terrorists came and burnt the United Nations building here. It was in FCT.

    “Remember, there was an attack to burn the police headquarters. There was a minister.

    “All over the world, we have heard where armed men went to school in cities and shot at will, killing 15 to 16 people in the United States, in Britain, as developed as they are.

    “That does not mean that the security in those cities has collapsed.”

    He called on politicians to desist from using security situation to create panic, painting a picture that appears like the people in FCT can no longer walk freely in the streets or they will be kidnapped.

    The minister urged residents to learn to appreciate government efforts and support the security agencies with intelligence information to assist in addressing the challenge.

  • Wike should tell me his plans on tackling insecurity – FCT Senator, Ireti Kingibe

    Wike should tell me his plans on tackling insecurity – FCT Senator, Ireti Kingibe

    The Senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe has urged the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike to disclose his plans on how to curb the kidnapping, and killing happening in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    Kingibe, made this known while speaking on the security crisis rocking the capital city during a Channels TV program on Sunday.

    She said that when the Senate resumes plenary, the Minister would be summoned to explain his plan to tackle the security crisis.

    “It is not that I am hoping. I know he will be summoned. But whether he responds or not is a different matter entirely. But as the chief security officer of the FCT, he should have a plan.

    “He should be able to tell us, the committee, and specifically me, that this is the plan for protecting the people of the FCT. Between him, the police commissioner, and the head of the DSS, they must have a plan”, the Senator said.

    The lawmaker further disclosed that there is a “disconnect” between her and the FCT Minister, accusing the latter of ignoring her messages and letters in the wake of insecurity in the area.

  • Insecurity: FCT’s police relations committee tasks security agencies on contemporary approaches

    Insecurity: FCT’s police relations committee tasks security agencies on contemporary approaches

    Dr Rufus Ebegba, Chairman, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has tasked security agencies on adoption of contemporary approaches to tackle the rising spate of insecurity in the FCT and environs.

    Ebegba made the call in an interview on Sunday in Abuja following several security threats in the FCT.

    He called for the strategic acquisition and deployment of contemporary equipment like Armoured Personnel Carriers, surveillance elicopters, armoured motorcycles, and utility vehicles for patrols and offensive fronts.

    “The rising spate of insecurity in the FCT has in very recent times, arrested the attention of the public, as well as dampened the enthusiasm with which FCT residents go about their daily lives.

    “We must commend the Police and other relevant security agencies for their alertness and efforts to tame this disturbing development, which has led to the arrest of several criminal masterminds, and the release of kidnap victims and hostages,” Ebegba said.

    He said that insecurity should be urgently addressed to safeguard lives and properties in the face of cases of kidnapping.

    “Similarly, citizens must be aware and awake to their responsibilities because, we all have a role to play. Should we notice anything suspicious or suspect strange developments, we are enjoined to approach the nearest police station or personnel to report or discuss our observations.

    “Security and social order are our collective responsibilities and we must contribute our quota,” Ebegba said.

     

  • Wike behind insecurity in FCT – Deji Adeyanju

    Wike behind insecurity in FCT – Deji Adeyanju

    Asocio-political activist, Deji Adeyanju has blamed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike for the rising insecurity in Abuja.

    He said the destruction of their livelihood had led to the resorting to kidnappings and other crimes in FCT as a means of sustenance.

    A statement by Adeyanju reads: “Rather than adequately relocating these individuals and providing them with alternative means of sustenance, the Minister has callously sent them to the streets, exacerbating the desperation and criminal activities in the city.

    “The Minister’s negligence and failure to address their needs and concerns have inadvertently created a vicious cycle of crime and victimization.

    “It is important to note that, when the poor no longer have what to eat, they will eat the rich.

    “It is time for the FCT Minister to fulfill his duty and for the security agencies to demonstrate their commitment to protecting the lives and dignity of the people.

    “The residents of Abuja deserve nothing less than a safe and secure environment in which to live, work, and thrive.”

  • Military vows to go after kidnappers in FCT

    Military vows to go after kidnappers in FCT

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has assured residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that the military is working with other security agencies and stakeholders to go after kidnap syndicates operating in the territory.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Baba, gave the assurance in the weekly report of the operations of the armed forces on Friday in Abuja.

    Buba said the armed forces was not unaware of the impact of kidnappings on the families of those affected and also recognised the fear it had created among residents lately.

    He said the troops had prioritised areas of  kidnapping incidents with increased ground and air surveillance over the areas.

    Buba added that technology  had also been deployed to detect the hideouts and enclaves of kidnapping gangs, and that the tempo  of operations had been increased to find, degrade and destroy them.

    According to him, while troops probably do not  have all the answers as at now, citizens should be rest assured that the armed forces is working relentlessly to address the hurtful situation.

    “Additionally, troops are synergising  with other security services and stakeholders  to investigate and gather more intelligence on these kidnapping gangs, particularly around the FCT.

    “In the FCT and environs, some of the areas cleared by troops so far include Kawu, Gaba, Deidei, Kubwa Hills, and Ushafa in the FCT, Garam, Jibi, and back of Zuma Rock in Niger State, as well as Gidan Dogo and Kuyeri/Kuyeri Hills in Kaduna State.

    “There have also been intensified night patrols in the  Mpape, Kubwa, Lugbe, Pyakasa, Keti, Gbaupe, Gbaukuchi, and Airport Road, among others,” he said.

  • BREAKING: Police arrest notorious Abuja kidnapper

    BREAKING: Police arrest notorious Abuja kidnapper

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says it’s command in Kaduna State has arrested a notorious kidnapper who terrorised the federal capital territory (FCT), Abuja.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the NPF gave the name of the suspected notorious kidnapper as Chinaza Phillip.

    According to the police, Philip was nabbed by police operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command on Thursday 18th January, 2024.

    According to SP Josephine Adeh, PPRO FCT, the suspect was subsequently handed over to the FCT Police Command.

    “The FCT Police Command wishes to confirm the arrest of one Chinaza Phillip, a notorious Abuja kidnapper by police operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command on Thursday 18th January, 2024.

    “The suspect has been handed over to FCT police Command today being Friday 19th January, 2024, and currently in police custody,” the statement reads.

    Insecurity: Wike asks CP to establish additional police divisions

    Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has asked the Police Commissioner, FCT Command, to establish two additional Police Divisions in Gwagwalada Area Council of the territory.

    Wike made the demand during a security town hall with relevant stakeholders on Friday in Gwagwalada, to find lasting solutions to security challenges affecting the federal capital.

    The order was in response to the request by the Council’s Chairman, Mr Abubakar Giri, who pleaded for the additional divisions to improve security, particularly in border communities.

    Giri said that the area council currently has only two police divisions, one each in Zuba and Gwagwalada.

    He also complained of abandoned buildings that have constituted security threats in the area, as most of the buildings have become safe haven for criminals.

    Wike, who acknowledged the challenges, assured residents of the area of President Bola Tinubu’ resolve to address the security challenges in the FCT.

    He said that the two police divisions would be established immediately considering the security exigency.

    The minister also said that he had secured President Tinubu’s approval to procure and distribute operational vehicles and communications gadgets to the police and other security agencies in the FCT.

    Wike asked the council chairman to write to him unfailingly on Monday, indicating the number and locations of all uncompleted buildings constituting security threats in the area.

    He assured the residents that he would approve the demolition of the uncompleted buildings or alternatively transfer ownership of the buildings to the communities to complete and put them to good use.

    He also promised to construct a befitting health facility and implement other development projects in the area as requested by the residents.

    “I am here on the directive of President Tinubu to meet and discuss with you the prevailing security challenges and find lasting solutions together.

    “I was in Bwari Area Council on Wednesday and today I am here at Gwagwalada on the same issue. Next week I will visit another area council until we cover all the six area councils.

    “Security is one of the priorities of the currency government, so, be rest assured that you are not alone, and we will do all that we can to end security challenges in the territory,” he said.

    Earlier, the Aguma of Gwagwalada, Mohammed Magaji, urged the minister to assist the police with more operational vehicles to enhance security operations in the area.

    Magaji said Gwagwalada Police Division has only one operational vehicle, which is also in terribly bad.

    The traditional leader also called for the construction of an additional General Hospital in the area to provide quality health service to residents.

    Wike had on Wednesday, began a tour of the six Area Councils of the FCT to meet with community leaders and relevant stakeholders over security concerns.

    The visit, which began with Bwari Area Council, was in response to the recent spike in the abductions and killings of residents by bandits, especially in Kuje and Bwari area councils.

    Wike had told stakeholders in Bwari that the FCT Administration would provide the needed logistics and equipment to support security agencies to flush out criminals terrorising the territory.

  • Wike asks CP to establish additional police divisions in Gwagwalada

    Wike asks CP to establish additional police divisions in Gwagwalada

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has asked the Police Commissioner, FCT Command, to establish two additional Police Divisions in Gwagwalada Area Council of the territory.

    Wike gave the directive during a security town hall with relevant stakeholders on Friday in Gwagwalada, to find lasting solutions to security challenges affecting the federal capital.

    The order was in response to the request by the Council’s Chairman, Mr Abubakar Giri, who pleaded for the additional divisions to improve security, particularly in border communities.

    Giri said that the area council currently has only two police divisions, one each in Zuba and Gwagwalada.

    He also complained of abandoned buildings that have constituted security threats in the area, as most of the buildings have become safe haven for criminals.

    Wike, who acknowledged the challenges, assured residents of the area of President Bola Tinubu’ resolve to address the security challenges in the FCT.

    He said that the two police divisions would be established immediately considering the security exigency.

    The minister also said that he had secured President Tinubu’s approval to procure and distribute operational vehicles and communications gadgets to the police and other security agencies in the FCT.

    Wike asked the council chairman to write to him unfailingly on Monday, indicating the number and locations of all uncompleted buildings constituting security threats in the area.

    He assured the residents that he would approve the demolition of the uncompleted buildings or alternatively transfer ownership of the buildings to the communities to complete and put them to good use.

    He also promised to construct a befitting health facility and implement other development projects in the area as requested by the residents.

    “I am here on the directive of President Tinubu to meet and discuss with you the prevailing security challenges and find lasting solutions together.

    “I was in Bwari Area Council on Wednesday and today I am here at Gwagwalada on the same issue. Next week I will visit another area council until we cover all the six area councils.

    “Security is one of the priorities of the currency government, so, be rest assured that you are not alone, and we will do all that we can to end security challenges in the territory,” he said.

    Earlier, the Aguma of Gwagwalada, Mohammed Magaji, urged the minister to assist the police with more operational vehicles to enhance security operations in the area.

    Magaji said Gwagwalada Police Division has only one operational vehicle, which is also in terribly bad.

    The traditional leader also called for the construction of an additional General Hospital in the area to provide quality health service to residents.

    Wike had on Wednesday, began a tour of the six Area Councils of the FCT to meet with community leaders and relevant stakeholders over security concerns.

    The visit, which began with Bwari Area Council, was in response to the recent spike in the abductions and killings of residents by bandits, especially in Kuje and Bwari area councils.

    Wike had told stakeholders in Bwari that the FCT Administration would provide the needed logistics and equipment to support security agencies to flush out criminals terrorising the territory.

  • Wike orders clampdown on street lights vandals in FCT

    Wike orders clampdown on street lights vandals in FCT

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has directed security agencies to clampdown on criminals vandalising street lights in the federal capital, Abuja.

    Dr Peter Olumuji, Secretary, Command and Control Centre, Department of Security, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), disclosed this in an interview with NAN, in Abuja on Monday.

    Recall that Wike, on assumption of duty as FCT Minister, identified the restoration of street lights as one of his cardinal agenda to light up the city, as part of efforts to make Abuja a befitting capital city.

    However, while efforts were ongoing to restore and make all streetlights functional across the city, some miscreants resorted to vandalising the facilities. particularly the solar-powered ones in some parts of the city.

    While noting that street lighting of the FCT had improved drastically in line with the directive of the FCT Minister, Olumuji acknowledged that the ongoing sabotage by unidentified criminals.

    He said that the FCTA Department of Security Service had received reports on the vandalisation of the streetlights, taking place mostly in the middle of the night.

    He said the reports indicated that the miscreants target the solar-powered streetlights, their batteries, solar panels, and the lightning mechanisms, including the poles.

    “The streetlights were bought with taxpayers’ money and installed to brighten the city at night and ensure that FCT is secured, but sadly, some criminal elements among us are vandalising them.

    “This is sad,” he said.

    He disclosed that the FCT Minister had directed the Police Commissioner, FCT Command, in charge of internal security to clampdown on the criminals sabotaging ongoing efforts to light up the city.

    He added that the officer in charge of critical infrastructure and national assets at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps was equally asked to work with the police to track and arrest the culprits.

    “The minister had directed the security agencies to ensure that all the miscreants that go about vandalising streetlights are apprehended and prosecuted to end the wicked act.

    “They are making progress and soon, some of the vandals apprehended would be paraded and taken to court for prosecution.

    “The streetlights were installed for the benefit of all residents and to enable people to move freely within the city at night.

    “However, you cannot vandalise the streetlights and still complain that the government is not doing anything.,” he said.

    Olumuji said that while there are plans to replace the vandalised streetlights, residents should learn to take ownership of facilities installed in their areas by reporting any suspicious movement to security agencies.

    He explained that good illumination improves security within the city because no criminal element wants to operate under the glare of light.

    “They always carry out their trade under darkness.

    “So, when you have all the streetlights working, it improves and aids better security of lives and properties,” he added.