ABUJA: Wike Orders Profiling Of Vigilante Groups

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has directed the profiling of vigilante groups in Abuja amid heightened insecurity.

During a security meeting on Wednesday, Wike directed FCT’s six area council chairmen to establish vigilance groups and profile their members for enhanced security and to prevent abuse.

“We have asked all the Area Councils to set up vigilance teams and we believe that those vigilance teams won’t be the ones perpetrating the crimes. Therefore, they must be profiled so that they are known. Who are they? Are they from our communities? So that we won’t say we want to solve a problem and then cause another one. They (chairmen) will have to do that with you (traditional rulers).

“We have told the police and other security agencies to itemise all their needs and we are going to meet them so that our people can sleep comfortably with their eyes closed.

“We thought that there is a need to meet with you and the council chairmen so that we can work in synergy and be on the same page. If there are things you think we should do too, we are willing to partner with you so that the challenges we are facing now will be a thing of the past. You must work hard because insecurity is not written on anybody’s face. Anyone can be a victim and that is why we must do everything possible to ensure that our subjects are not victims of these criminals.

“We are not folding our hands, we are not sleeping. We are working 24 hours round the clock,” he said.

The minister urged support toward ongoing efforts to address the security situation, including the demolition of shanties serving as hiding spots for criminals.

“Again, you would have heard that we are demolishing shanties. You know criminals won’t want to live in known houses. They commit crimes and run to shanties that can’t be easily traced. So, we will continue to demolish shanties. You need to support us. You don’t allow people to bring propaganda. There is nothing like that,” he said.

Wike restated plans to introduce buses painted in green colour to combat ‘one chance’ taxi robberies.

“Very soon we are going to roll out our buses which will be painted in Abuja colours and we won’t allow taxis that are not painted in our colours to operate so that this issue of one chance can be eliminated”, he stated.

He further assured traditional rulers at the meeting of the government’s commitment to curbing insecurity, while noting President Bola Tinubu’s assurance before his departure to France on Wednesday.

He encouraged community involvement in reporting unfamiliar faces and activities, emphasizing the collective responsibility in securing FCT.

“We sincerely thank all of you for your concerns and efforts. Before Mr President departed this afternoon he said I should inform you that government is doing all within its powers to curb insecurity. Already, the government has shown strength. It has shown courage in fighting insecurity across the country.

“This is the FCT where many Nigerians want to come and stay and so we are more concerned because when the capital is threatened, the whole country is threatened. So, we are very serious with security. We are not sleeping. We are working 24 hours.

“We have met with the councils and we have told them the little we need which is information to be able to help security agencies that are directly involved in the fight against criminalities. Nobody would say there is anywhere in this world no matter how developed that has no form of insecurity or the other.

“The only difference is that it is either nipped in the bud or you are sure that if it happens the criminals are caught. But that is not an excuse for us. We are ready to ensure it doesn’t happen or when it happens, the perpetrators are arrested and made to face the wrath of the law.

“The president has given us series of approvals to make sure that security agencies are fully equipped to fight this crime and we cannot do this alone without your support. You have a role to play in securing your domains. You know those around your domain. If there are unfamiliar faces, you can let the council chairmen know, so as to report to my office so that actions can be taken”, he added.

In his response, the Ona of Abaji and Chairman, FCT Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa, expressed trust in Wike’s ability to improve the security situation, while pledging support for the minister’s initiatives.

“You are not new in Abuja and we trust you that you are going to change the story of Abuja by God’s grace. Continue with what you are doing and we are backing you,” the Ona said.