The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that banditry is taking place in Abuja, insisting that the nation’s capital remains secure and that security agencies are effectively dealing with criminal activities.
Wike made the statement on Monday while inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). According to him, reports suggesting that bandits are operating regularly in Abuja are exaggerated and do not reflect the overall security situation in the city.
“I have always said, we only hear one incident but nobody has said we have been able to curb or reduce this,” the minister said.
“There is nowhere in this world, be it any developed country, where you will see that there is no form of crime.”
The FCT minister acknowledged that criminal incidents sometimes occur in large cities but stressed that it would be incorrect to describe the situation in Abuja as banditry.
Banditry, which often involves armed groups attacking villages, kidnapping people and demanding ransom, has been a major security problem in parts of northern Nigeria.
However, Wike said the situation in Abuja does not fit that description.
“I don’t believe there is banditry in Abuja,” he said.
“But again, it is a city where people want to go and do all kinds of things, kidnapping, this and that.”
According to him, it is normal for major cities around the world to experience some level of crime.
He said the key issue is how security agencies respond to such incidents and prevent them from escalating.
“So, it will be difficult for anybody to say that in a city that you don’t have one form of crime or another,” Wike added.
“There is no recurrence of banditry. There is no banditry in Abuja.”
While defending the security situation in the capital, the minister referred to a recent kidnapping incident in Bwari Area Council.
According to him, although some people were kidnapped in the area, security agencies quickly intervened and rescued the victims.
“I know that last time some people were kidnapped in Bwari, but they were all rescued,” he said.
Kidnappings have become a major concern in several parts of Nigeria, including areas surrounding the Federal Capital Territory.
In recent months, residents of some communities on the outskirts of Abuja have reported incidents of abductions and threats from criminal groups.
Wike also used the opportunity to praise the efforts of security agencies working in the Federal Capital Territory.
He said officers from different security organisations have been working hard to prevent crime and protect residents.
The minister stressed that the public should recognise and appreciate the work done by security personnel.
“What’s important is what measures, how serious the security agencies take this,” he said.
“As far as I am concerned, they are really taking their work very seriously, and we need to give them the necessary support.”
He added that security agencies often prevent many crimes that never become public knowledge.
According to him, people tend to focus on isolated incidents without acknowledging the successes recorded by law enforcement officers.
“We do not need to always advertise one crime when they have stopped about 50 crimes,” Wike said.
“And nobody has come out to commend the security agencies, to commend the administration for being able to reduce the crime.”
He urged Nigerians to support the work of security agencies so they can continue to improve their performance.
Despite the minister’s assurances, some residents living in communities on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory say they remain worried about their safety.
Reports from areas such as Kungaboku and Paze suggest that some families have temporarily left their homes after hearing about possible attacks by bandits.
According to residents, the tension increased after threats were reportedly made by armed groups planning to attack some villages.
Community members said they feared that the attacks could happen at night when security presence is limited.
Some households have reportedly moved to safer areas while monitoring the situation.
Security forces have continued to carry out operations in parts of the FCT and neighbouring communities to prevent attacks and rescue victims of kidnapping.
Recently, troops from the Nigerian Army carried out an operation that led to the rescue of several kidnapped victims.
The operation was conducted by soldiers from the 7 Guards Battalion under the Guards Brigade.
The troops were supported by officers of the Nigeria Police Force as well as local vigilante groups.
During the operation, 19 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued from their captors.
Security authorities said the operation showed the level of cooperation among different security agencies working to protect communities in and around Abuja.
Community leaders in some affected areas have urged residents to remain calm while cooperating with security agencies.
They advised residents to report suspicious activities and movements to the authorities.
According to the leaders, timely information from community members often helps security personnel prevent attacks and arrest criminals.
They also encouraged residents not to spread panic but to remain alert and follow security advice.
The debate over security in the Federal Capital Territory reflects a wider challenge facing many parts of Nigeria.
While government officials highlighted the efforts of security agencies and improvements in safety, residents sometimes express concern about incidents occurring in nearby communities.
They note that even when security agencies successfully prevent many crimes, a few high-profile incidents can still create fear among residents.
For many people living in the outskirts of Abuja, the presence of security patrols and quick response to emergencies will be important in restoring confidence.
Despite the concerns, the FCT administration has reiterated its commitment to maintaining safety in the nation’s capital.
Officials say collaboration between the military, police and other security organisations will continue in order to prevent criminal activities.
For his part, Nyesom Wike said the government will keep supporting security agencies with the resources needed to perform their duties effectively.
He also urged residents to acknowledge the work of security personnel who risk their lives daily to protect the public.
“I think we should commend the security agencies, and they will continue to improve,” the minister said.
