The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday dismissed claims of recurring banditry in Abuja, assuring residents that the city remains secure and that security agencies are effectively tackling crime.
Speaking during an inspection of ongoing projects in the federal capital, Wike said, “I don’t believe there is banditry in Abuja. But again, it is a city where people want to go and do all kinds of things, kidnapping, this and that. So, there is no recurrence of banditry. There is no banditry in Abuja. I know that last time some people were kidnapped in Bwari but they were all rescued.”
While acknowledging that incidents of crime occur, the minister insisted that reports of banditry were exaggerated. He praised the dedication of security agencies and called for public recognition of their efforts. “What’s important is what measures, how serious the security agencies take this. As far as I am concerned, they are really taking their work very seriously. And we need to give them the necessary support,” he said.
Wike further urged citizens not to focus solely on isolated incidents, noting that security agencies often prevent or resolve multiple crimes that go unreported. “We do not need to always advertise one crime when they have stopped about 50 crimes. And nobody has come out to commend the security agencies, to commend the administration for being able to reduce the crime. I think we should commend the security agencies, and they will continue to improve,” he added.
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His comments come amid ongoing concerns in satellite towns of the FCT, including Kungaboku and Paze, where residents have reported criminal incidents and threats from bandits. Some residents reportedly fled their homes following alleged threats of attacks.
The threats followed a series of kidnappings and assaults, including the recent rescue of 19 victims by troops of the 7 Guards Battalion, Guards Brigade, Nigerian Army, supported by police and vigilante groups. Community leaders have assured residents that security operations are ongoing and urged continued vigilance and cooperation with authorities.
Despite these reassurances, anxiety remains high in affected areas, with some homes deserted and residents closely monitoring the situation.