By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
As part of its effort to secure lives and property in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has distributed 60 operational vehicles to security agencies to tackle terrorists threats in Abuja.
Also to the vehicles, state-of-the-art security apparatus will be installed in the vehicles, which will be centrally controlled to ensure efficient performance.
The benefiting security agencies are the Police, Armed Forces, NSCDC and other paramilitary organizations, as well as Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).
Speaking at the handover ceremony yesterday, the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello disclosed that the intervention was to help improve the capacity of security agencies domiciled in the FCT, to optimally discharge their duties in the Territory.
Bello added that each of the vehicles is backed by a three-year maintenance contract. I therefore call on
the beneficiaries of these vehicles to use them judiciously and also produce them for servicing, according to a schedule to be worked out.
He reiterated that the FCT remains safe, adding that the confidence in the ability
of the security agencies to provide adequate security has not wavered, as he pledged FCTA’s continuous support to them in the discharge of their responsibilities.
“What we are doing today is to showcase the FCTA’S contribution to the Federal Government’s efforts. It is our expectations that these vehicles and other security equipment will be put to
effective use.
“The Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has put
in place, several measures to confront current security challenges and to contain the threats posed by criminals in all forms and guises.
“Through the efforts
of our security agencies, many potentially devastating
criminal acts have been prevented.
In fact, I make bold to say that for every crime committed, several others were nipped in the bud, the Minister emphasized.
“Residents however also have roles to play in this collective
fight against crime and criminality by promptly reporting to
the relevant security agencies any suspicious individual or
situation. It is only by doing this, that the fight against crime
can truly be won”, he said.
Meanwhile , the Minister disclosed that FCTA Security Council has approved the disbursement of 500 Million Naira to six Area Councils, for the commencement of Community Policing scheme in the Territory.
Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, noted that the procurement of the 60 units of operational vehicles fitted with communication gadgets for the security agencies will further enhance the security architecture of the Territory.
This modest effort by the FCT Administration is also in line with “Section 14(2) of the 1999 constitution (As Amended) which states that, “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”; therefore, the FCT Administration places priority on safety and security of the entire, Aliyu added.
