By Abubakar Yusuf
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has intensified efforts to tackle insecurity in Abuja, unveiling new strategies and investing heavily in security operations across the territory.
Wike, who has made security a central part of his administration, said the fight against crime in the FCT requires both equipment and policy changes. Beyond funding and logistics for the police and other security agencies, the minister introduced policy statements aimed at curbing criminal activities linked to the influx of both legitimate and illegitimate businesses and individuals into the city.
One of the key measures is the introduction of joint patrols involving the military, paramilitary agencies, and the police. The move has helped reduce incidents of one chance operators, kidnappers, car snatchers and other criminal groups who had terrorised residents of the capital and surrounding areas.
Wike’s administration has also invested millions of naira into new police commands in Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali—areas identified as hotbeds for criminal activity. According to security officials, this has contributed to a significant drop in reported cases of crime.
Neighbouring settlements around the FCT such as Karu, Nyanya, Maraba, Orozo, Jikwoyi, and Wasa are also under tighter watch, with special patrol forces carrying out frequent raids that have led to multiple arrests and discoveries of criminal hideouts.
The joint patrol teams, which include the NSCDC, VIO, Army, Navy, Air Force and Police, have dismantled groups posing as legitimate workers but secretly engaging in vices that expose ordinary residents to danger.
Since Wike assumed office, security agencies have reported the recovery of many stolen vehicles and the arrest of several suspects linked to violent crimes. Car theft, which had become rampant in Abuja, has been drastically reduced.
Regular raids have also forced many criminals and idle groups out of the city. Security sources say these operations have discouraged those who usually harass unsuspecting victims by snatching their belongings in public places.
The reintroduction of round-the-clock patrols has further strengthened the fight. With day and night operations across classified areas, the Wike-led FCT administration says it is determined to flush out criminals from both the city centre and surrounding councils.
Officials believe that with sustained efforts, the activities of criminal elements will be brought under control, and Abuja will return to being a safe city for residents and visitors.
