By Sadiq Abubakar, Abuja.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, has requested for the deployment of more police personnel to the territory in order to tackle insecurity.
Bello, made the appeal when he paid a courtesy and appreciation visit to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba, at the Force Headquarters, on Wednesday, in Abuja.
The Minister, who was accompanied by some senior members of staff of the FCTA, said that the city of Abuja had expanded over the years, with high population and inevitably an increase in crime and criminality.
While thanking the police force for the near elimination of the “one chance” crime which hitherto was synonymous with the FCT, he also asked for the deployment of more equipment such as vehicles and advanced crowd control equipment.
He also informed the IGP that the FCT has keyed into the community policing policy of the government and has profiled able bodied men and women suitable for the task of community policing.
He however called for an increase in the number of volunteers allotted to the FCT.
The Minister further appreciated the IGP for the creation of a Police Division at Tungan – Maje, an FCT community bordering Niger State, while he decried a noticeable trend whereby non-residents of the FCT will come into the city for public demonstrations and in the process, disrupt the peace of the city, mainly for publicity purposes.
According to the minister, residents of the FCT are peaceful, law abiding citizens and there is the need to protect them and their means of livelihood.
He also informed the IGP that the various commissioners of police posted to the FCT have been the main drivers of the FCT Security Committee and pledged the continuous support of the FCT administration to the Nigerian Police Force.
Responding, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba, appreciated the FCT administration for the support it has given to the FCT police command over the years and promised the provision of needed equipment to the command to enhance the fight against crime and criminality in the territory.
He also informed the FCT minister that the police force was ready to train the community policing volunteers from the FCT at the administration’s expense and also called for synergy between the minister and governors of states bordering the FCT for effective tackling of crimes that cut across the states.
All 9 Missing Police Officers Rescued, As IGP Reassures Nigerians Of Improved Security
Global Times Nigeria correspondent report that, among other top FCTA officials that joined the minister on the courtesy visit tteh the IGP, were the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, the Director, Human Resources Management of the FCTA, Dr Bashir Mohammed and the Director, Department of Security Services, Mr Adamu Gwary.
