By Juliet Ezeh
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that banditry is spreading across Abuja, insisting that the nation’s capital remains under control despite recent reports of kidnappings in some communities.
Speaking during the inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory on Monday, the minister said security agencies were actively responding to criminal incidents and had significantly curtailed threats in the city.
According to him, while isolated cases of crime may occur, it would be misleading to describe the situation as banditry.
“There is nowhere in the world, even in developed countries, where crime does not exist,” Wike said. “I don’t believe there is banditry in Abuja. It is a city where people may attempt kidnapping or other crimes, but that does not mean there is banditry.”
The minister referenced a recent kidnapping incident in the Bwari area of the capital, noting that the victims were successfully rescued through coordinated operations by security forces.
He commended the efforts of security agencies, stressing that their successes in preventing crimes often go unnoticed by the public.
“We do not need to always advertise one crime when security agencies have stopped many others,” he said, urging residents to acknowledge the efforts of law enforcement personnel.
However, the minister’s remarks come at a time when residents in several satellite communities around Abuja continue to express concern over security threats.
Communities such as Kungaboku and Paze have recently reported criminal incidents and alleged threats from armed groups, forcing some residents to temporarily flee their homes.
Security sources confirmed that troops of the Nigerian Army, including the 7 Guards Battalion of the Guards Brigade, recently carried out rescue operations in the affected areas, freeing several kidnapped victims with support from police officers and local vigilantes.
Community leaders say security patrols have been intensified in response to the incidents, while residents have been urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities.
Despite the government’s assurances, anxiety remains high in some rural settlements around the capital, where residents say they continue to monitor the situation closely.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.