The House of Representatives on Wednesday extended invitations to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and prominent security chiefs to address concerns regarding the deteriorating security situation in the FCT.
The decision made by the House followed the approval of a motion of urgent public importance presented by Mr. Dominic Okafor, the representative of Aguta Federal Constituency, Anambra State.
During his address, the lawmaker highlighted that the FCT serves as the central location for the Federal Government, where national policies are crafted. He emphasized that the nation’s capital is home to the headquarters of the Federal Government and various international agencies.
He noted that the government of nearby Nasarawa State “Has announced plans to install security cameras across the state to curb the distressing security challenges in the state which ought to be replicated in Abuja being the centre of the nation and should be the safest place in the country.”
The House he said is “Very worried that the level of insecurity raving the Centre of Unity in recent times, is, to say the least, very disappointing and unbefitting of a Federal Capital City where there are escalating cases of ‘one chance,’ armed robberies, banditry and rampant kidnappings and killings.
“The House is concerned that the last administration, through the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy compulsorily registered and linked National Identification Number With Telephone Numbers of Nigerians and further linked the same with various bank accounts with the main purpose of curbing the rising spate of insecurity in the country.
“The House is disturbed that since the Compulsory registration and linking of the National Identification Numbers by the Federal Government, there has never been a time it was deployed to tackle or address the pressing and scary state of insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory or the nation at large.
“The House is further worried that since criminal elements in and around the Federal Capital Territory are speedily evolving from the norm to advanced techniques of criminality, the security agencies of government ought to urgently move to digitalize their operations to return the Federal Capital Territory to its safest haven in the Country with the use of Drones, Closed- Circuit Television and other modern sophisticated security gadgets.
“The House is cognizant that restructuring the nation economically and politically as is obtainable in most western economies is the next most appropriate step the Federal Government of Nigeria should go in a bit to addressing the teething economic, political and security concerns of Nigerians.”
Following the adoption of the motion, the House resolved to “Invite the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, the National Security Adviser, and heads of all security agencies for an emergency security briefing and strategy.”
It also mandated “The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to install security cameras around the FCT and its environs. Also, to install other security gadgets and equip security personnel with modern security equipment to combat the rising and frightening insecurity within the territory and its environs including the use of drones.”
The House also mandated heads of all security agencies to “Urgently collaborate among themselves, train and set up special units within their formations to track and clamp down on the criminal elements within and around the Territory.”
It further mandated the security agencies to immediately commence the use of the registered National Identification Numbers in their technology to trace and curb insecurity across the country.”
In January, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, reassured FCT residents, stating that there was no cause for alarm. He emphasized that he and the security agencies remain vigilant and attentive to the security issues in the territory.
In December 2023, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, reiterated the legislature’s dedication to backing security agencies in their efforts to ensure the safety and security of Nigerians.