The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims of recurring banditry in Abuja, asserting that the city remains secure and that the security agencies are effectively tackling crime.
Speaking during an inspection of ongoing projects in the federal capital on Monday, Wike said, “I have always said, we only hear one incident but nobody has said, we have been able to curb or reduce this. There is nowhere in this world, be it any developed country, where you will see there is no form of crime.”
He acknowledged incidents of crime, but insisted that reports of banditry are exaggerated.
He stated, “I don’t believe there is banditry in Abuja. But again, it is a city where people want to go and do all kinds of things, kidnapping, this and that.
“So, it will be difficult for anybody to say that in a city that you don’t have one form of crime or another. So, there is no recurrence of banditry. There is no banditry in Abuja. I know that last time some people were kidnapped in Bwari but they were all rescued.”
Wike praised the dedication of security agencies and called for public recognition of their efforts.
“What’s important is what measures, how serious the security agencies take this. As far as I am concerned, they are really taking their work very seriously. And we need to give them the necessary support.
“We do not need to always advertise one crime when they have stopped about 50 crimes. And nobody has come out to commend the security agencies, to commend the administration for being able to reduce the crime.
“I think we should commend the security agencies, and they will continue to improve,” he said.
His statements come as residents in satellite towns of the FCT, including Kungaboku and Paze communities, continue to report criminal incidents and threats from bandits.
Some residents of the areas reportedly fled their homes following alleged threats by bandits to invade their communities.
The threats followed a series of kidnappings and attacks, including the rescue of 19 victims by troops of the 7 Guards Battalion, Guards Brigade, Nigerian Army, supported by police and vigilantes.
Community leaders, while assuring residents of ongoing security operations, have urged vigilance and cooperation with authorities.
Despite these assurances, anxiety remains high in the affected areas, with some homes deserted and residents closely monitoring the situation.