Insecurity: FCT Faces Equipment Shortage in Tracking Criminals – Wike

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, stated on Monday that the ongoing battle against banditry and kidnappings in the FCT is being impeded by insufficient equipment and operational vehicles.

During a media chat with journalists in Abuja, Mr. Wike attributed the recent increase in kidnappings in some border communities of the FCT to a lack of equipment to effectively track criminals. However, he reassured residents that the security challenges would soon be addressed, thanks to the approval for emergency procurement by President Bola Tinubu.

The approval is specifically for the procurement of digital tracking tools and operational vehicles, aimed at enhancing the capability to apprehend kidnappers.

“Many facilities were not provided, and security agencies lack vehicles. It’s astonishing that equipment to track criminals is unavailable, and when incidents occur, security agencies have to go back to the Office of the National Security Adviser or the Force Headquarters. That is not how it should be,” the minister emphasized.

He highlighted the necessity for special equipment that would assist security agencies in reducing crime, especially tools that could track the specific locations of phone users.

The FCT Administration has identified the specific needs of each security agency, and these will be addressed through the emergency procurement, according to Mr. Wike.

“Before our tenure, the police had requested the procurement of a certain number of motorcycles for areas inaccessible by vehicles, such as remote and mountainous regions. Unfortunately, these motorcycles were not provided initially, but we have now addressed this issue,” he explained.

While acknowledging that security involves more than just equipment, Mr. Wike emphasized the importance of motivating personnel for the success of security operations. The FCTA also plans to establish a Joint Task Force with a comprehensive command and control structure, well-equipped to respond to security emergencies.

“We intend to establish a joint security outfit with its structure and equipment so that, in case of any eventuality, the task force will promptly respond. Although it will require funds and time, we have identified this gap and are committed to addressing it,” concluded the minister.