New FCT CP vows to use technology against crime

The new Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), CP Adewale Ajao, has announced plans to adopt advanced technology to combat crime and enhance public safety.

Ajao made the pledge on Wednesday while addressing journalists at the FCT Police Command headquarters in Garki, Abuja.

According to him, the command will implement cutting-edge technology, including closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, drones, and digital crime mapping tools to monitor criminal activities and provide real-time responses to distress calls.

“We will strive to employ and deploy state-of-the-art technology, including CCTV cameras, drones, and digital crime mapping tools, to monitor and respond to distress calls on criminal activities in real time,” Ajao said.

He also revealed plans to establish a 24-hour command and control centre to improve emergency response times and coordinate rapid interventions.

Ajao stressed the importance of officer welfare and training, stating that the command would prioritise equipping personnel with the necessary skills and resources to perform their duties effectively.

“We will prioritize training and the welfare of officers and men while ensuring they are equipped with the skills, tools, and motivation needed to do their job effectively,” he said.

The police commissioner warned against corruption and unprofessional conduct, vowing to enforce a zero-tolerance policy within the command.

“We are not unaware of the security challenges posed by crimes and violence, social unrest, kidnapping, youth restiveness, cybercrime, inequality among others. But I stand before you today, committed to tackling these challenges head-on and ensuring that the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja remains a safer and secure place that is
livable and crime-free,” he stated.

Ajao also aligned his vision with the strategic priorities set by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, focusing on community policing, intelligence-led operations, and technological innovation.

“My vision is anchored on the strategic priorities set by the Inspector General of Police, which emphasize community policing, intelligence-led operations, and the use of technology to combat crime. In line with this vision, and building on the foundation laid by my predecessor, my mission is to ensure that every resident of the FCT feels safe and secure in their homes, workplaces, and public spaces,” he said.

He outlined plans to strengthen the Community Policing Initiative by engaging with community leaders, youth groups, and traditional rulers to address security issues at the grassroots level.

“Regular town hall meetings and community engagement programs will be held to foster trust and collaboration,” Ajao added.

He further announced that the State Intelligence Department (SID) will be revamped to enhance intelligence gathering and crime prevention.

“We will re-jig our State Intelligence Department (SID) to a more robust intelligence unit to gather, analyze, and act on actionable intelligence to prevent crimes before they occur,” he said.

Ajao also promised to strengthen collaboration with other security agencies, including the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to enhance intelligence sharing and improve overall security in the FCT.