Insecurity: FCT harps on intensifying cross border collaborations

In order to ensure a unified strategy for policing the FCT and its contiguous states  as well as prevent the displacement of criminal activities from one state to another, the FCT Security Committee has resolved to collaborate more closely with security operatives in the region.

Making this disclosure, the FCT Police Commissioner, Olatunji Disu, said a joint task force comprising the military, Civil Defence, and the police was currently conducting clearance operations in border communities  to the FCT, to proactively address potential incursions by bandits seeking to move across state lines.

Disu added that the success of these operations, has contributed significantly to the peace observed over the past few weeks.

A statement from Director, Press, (Office of the Hon. Minister), Anthony Ogunleye, revealed the FCT CP spoke while briefing journalists on the outcome of the first Security Committee Meeting of the FCT for the year 2025 chaired by the FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike.

The Police Commissioner emphasized the importance of inter-state collaboration, stressing that plans were underway to establish collaborations and operations with security operatives from neighboring states.

He explained that this unified approach, will ensure more effective policing of the region and prevent cross border banditry.

He added that the activities of the joint task force, comprising various security agencies, will continue, with specific tasks assigned to each and expressed confidence in the ongoing success of this collaborative effort.

Furthermore, the Police Commissioner said one of the issues deliberated on the  ongoing profiling of market operators involved in recognized scavenging activities, known as “panteka” within the FCT.

He also highlighted recent successful operations targeting infrastructure theft, including the recovery of manhole covers and electrical cables, noting that the FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has expressed satisfaction with the positive results of these operations.

Also, addressing issues of harassment and illegal levies imposed on FCT residents by touts operating under the AMAC, Disu stated that operations were being planned to address the issue decisively. He encouraged residents to report any instances of harassment to the police, using the publicly available contact numbers.

He also acknowledged concerns regarding the relatively light sentences given to convicted vandals who return to criminal activities upon their release and expressed the desire to engage in discussions with judicial authorities to share observations and explore areas of improvement.

 He equally recognized the constitutional independence of the judiciary and expressed hope that discussions with judicial officials would lead to more effective outcomes in the administration of justice.

The Police Commissioner reiterated the commitment of FCT Security Committee to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and assured that the security agencies will continue to work diligently to address any emerging threats in the FCT.

According to the statement, present at the meeting were heads of all security agencies in the FCT, The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, Chief of Staff to the Minister, Hon. Chidi Amadi, FCTA Head of Service, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, and the Director,FCTA Security Services Department, Mr. Adamu Gwary.