• Residents Worry Over Recent Assassination, Kidnappings
• Abuja Rocks, Hills, Forests Now Safe Sanctuary For Criminals, Says Agbambu
• Defence Media: Communities Hold Back Information Due To Fear Of Reprisal Attacks
• We’re Adopting Strategies To Effectively Combat Evolving Criminal Activities In FCT – Police

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have again been gripped with fear after last weekend’s killing of a staff of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the kidnapping of 13 persons in Piko, a remote community in Bwari Area Council of Abuja.

The attack in Bwari occurred on the night of Sunday, May 5, 2024, around 11.00pm without any challenge from the security agencies or vigilante groups.

Few days after the Bwari attack, gunmen, whom the police tagged as assassins, killed the FIRS official, Bichi.

Bichi was reportedly murdered in highbrow Maitama. His killing sent shivers to the spines of residents of that area, who are mainly senior government officials and top technocrats.

Findings revealed that Bichi’s assailants shot at him multiple times when he stepped out to get some food. Although he was rushed to the General Hospital, Maitama, in an attempt to save his life, the doctors reportedly confirmed that he was ‘brought in dead’ (BID).

Reacting to the killing, the FCT Police Command, through its spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said the murder was being investigated.

“In response to the tragic and alarming incident resulting in the untimely demise of Khalid Ahmed Bichi on May 10, 2024, at approximately 8:45pm, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Benneth C. Igweh, has promptly ordered a thorough and discreet investigation into the circumstances surrounding this regrettable event.

“Expressing profound condolences to the bereaved family, CP Benneth Igweh unequivocally frowns at this cowardly act and assures both the family and the public of swift justice. The diligent pursuit of the perpetrator(s) is underway, with every effort being made to ensure they are apprehended and brought to justice.

“Furthermore, CP Benneth Igweh reaffirms the unwavering dedication of the FCT Police Command to enhance the security landscape of the Territory, continually adapting strategies to effectively combat evolving criminal activities. Updates on this matter will be provided in due course,” Adeh said.

Despite this reassurance, the fresh wave of crimes in the FCT is giving residents a dose of concerns.

Many residents who spoke with The Guardian blamed the development on inadequate equipment for the FCT Police Command.

And findings by The Guardian revealed that FCT Police Command does not have helicopters for constant aerial patrol of narrow and hilly terrains of the territory, paving way for criminals to perfect their plots, implement them and go scot-free on many occasions.

Abuja land area is about 8000 km2, which makes it almost two and a half times the size of Lagos State, the former capital territory of Nigeria. But the
Lagos State Police Command boasts three helicopters owned by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and maintained by the state government to ensure maximum security and boost investors’ confidence in the city.

Residents of Abuja said some of the hilly and mountainous terrains in the outskirts of the FCT like Kuje, Ushafa, Bwari and Lugbe require constant helicopter patrols because they serve as habitats for hardened criminals.

A drive round some areas like Kurudu, Karshi, Bwari, Ushafa and Kabusa exposes how mountains and hills contribute to the security challenges in Abuja and underscores the need for sophisticated equipment and gadgets to police the city.

A resident of the FCT, Pastor Collins Okoh, said the police must increase their presence and surveillance in the seat of power to prevent further crimes from occurring.

“They should also collaborate with other security agencies and utilise intelligence gathering to apprehend perpetrators and deter future criminal activities. Transparency and accountability in their actions can help restore public confidence in the security agencies.

“To check the resurgence of crime before it escalates, proactive measures such as community policing, regular patrols and targeted policing in high-risk areas should be implemented. Additionally, addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty, unemployment and social inequalities can help prevent individuals from resorting to criminal activities.

“Collaboration with relevant stakeholders such as local government authorities, community leaders and civil society organisations is also crucial in addressing the underlying issues contributing to the rise in crime.” Okoh said.

Executive producer of Security Watch Africa, Mr. Patrick Agbambu, who is a resident of Abuja, also urged the police to improve and intensify their intelligence network.

“To do that, they need to cultivate the people living around those rocks, hills and forests that surround the FCT. Those rocks, hills and forests have become a sort of safe sanctuary for these criminals.

“They should request equipment and weapons that will aid them to intensify raiding of those areas and station strong Tactical Squads or Teams around those points. That will aid them to deny the criminals freedom.

“A strong and mobile Motorcycle Squadron should be set-up or formed and operationalised with all they need,” he added.

Another resident, who simply identified himself as Mr. Segun, urged the police and indeed the security forces to redouble their efforts in policing the capital territory.

“They should focus on the council areas and flush out the criminals; introduce more patrols with other security agencies, embark on radio enlightenment on the activities of the criminals and the need for the residents to be security conscious,” he said.

A civil society activist and resident of the city, Senator Iroegbu, told The Guardian that the resurgence of crime in Abuja was indeed a cause for concern.

On how to address the situation and restore public confidence in the security agencies, Iroegbu said:

“The police should enhance their presence and visibility in vulnerable areas. Regular patrols, especially in neighbourhoods with a history of criminal activities can act as a deterrent.

“They should engage with local communities to build trust and gather intelligence. Community members can provide valuable information about suspicious activities or individuals.”

On Intelligence gathering, Iroegbu urged the government to invest heavily in intelligence networks to identify criminal rings, their modus operandi and the key players, noting that “this information can guide targeted operations.”

He also urged the police to leverage technology for surveillance, data analysis and communication, adding that CCTV cameras, licence plate recognition systems and emergency hotlines could improve response times.

He urged the police top command to train and build the capacity of officers on crime prevention, community engagement and handling emergencies.

Iroegbu also urged the government to urgently address the socio-economic factors contributing to crime such as poverty, unemployment and inequality.

“Addressing these issues can reduce criminal motivations; create opportunities for youth through skill development, education and vocational training. Idle youths are more susceptible to criminal influence.

“Swift and fair justice is essential; criminals must face consequences promptly to deter others. Educate citizens about safety measures, reporting crimes and cooperating with law enforcement. Police should coordinate efforts with Immigration, Customs and other security agencies to prevent cross-border criminal activities.

“Security agencies should be transparent about their actions, investigations and outcomes. Regular updates can help build trust. Hold officers accountable for any misconduct or negligence. Uphold the rule of law.

“Police should involve civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations and community leaders in security discussions. Their input can lead to effective solutions. They must work closely with the media to disseminate accurate information and address public concerns.

“In summary, a multifaceted approach that combines law enforcement efforts, community involvement and addressing underlying issues is crucial to prevent crime escalation and restore public confidence in security agencies.

“By taking these steps, the police and other security agencies can regain public trust and curb the rising tide of crime in Abuja and beyond,” he added.

Meanwhile, the security of Abuja is not in the hands of police alone. The Presidential Guard Brigade, a special arm of the Nigerian Army, is responsible for protecting the President of Nigeria and ensuring high level security in the seat of power.

They also share the blame if there is apprehension in the city.

Reacting to the resurgence of killings by gunmen and kidnapping in FCT, spokesman of Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General Edward Buba, noted that the challenge of troops protecting Abuja is lack of timely and real time information.

“Our operations in and around the FCT have continued, especially into the interiors. Troops are deployed to ensure citizens enjoy a sense of safety and security. However, the challenge has been that of getting timely information from the affected communities to enable troops respond before the criminals escape.

“Our findings revealed that some communities hold back information due to fear of reprisal attacks but we have continued to assure them and urge their cooperation. Overall, the situation is not as bad as being portrayed in some quarters.

“Troops on ground receive a lot of commendations and gratitude from several of the communities in and around the FCT.

“Concerning the killing of the FIRS staff, the case is being investigated by the police. The police would therefore most appropriate to speak about it,” he said.