The Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, expressed concerns over the lack of essential equipment and operational vehicles needed to combat the rising cases of banditry and kidnappings in FCT. Speaking during a media chat in Abuja, Mr. Wike attributed the recent surge in kidnappings in FCT’s border communities to the inadequate equipment hindering the tracking of criminals.

He emphasized the urgent need to address security challenges and highlighted the approval for emergency procurement by President Bola Tinubu. The approved procurement includes digital tracking tools and operational vehicles to enhance the capability of security agencies in fighting crime.

Mr. Wike lamented the absence of crucial equipment to track criminals and emphasized the necessity for security agencies to have specialized tools to reduce crime levels. He assured that the FCT Administration had identified the requirements of each security agency and was committed to fulfilling them through emergency procurement.

Moreover, the minister emphasized the need to motivate security personnel, stating that their welfare and morale were crucial for the success of security operations. He disclosed plans to establish a well-equipped Joint Task Force with a full command and control structure to respond to security emergencies effectively.

In addition to equipment shortages, Mr. Wike underscored the importance of setting up a joint security outfit with its own structure and equipment, emphasizing the significance of plugging the identified loopholes in FCT’s security framework.

The minister’s remarks reveal the pressing need to address the deficiencies in FCT’s security infrastructure and underscore the importance of equipping security agencies adequately. Amid the challenges, the commitment to emergency procurement and strategic security measures brings hope for improved security operations in the FCT.