From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
Following the spate of insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), this year, the Commandant, FCT Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Olusola Odumosu has summoned all the Area Commanders and Divisional Officers on the urgent need to end the current threats to life and property in FCT.
Addressing the top security officers in Abuja, Odumosu noted that the disturbance of peace and order in the FCT calls for more proactive interactions with residents, engagements with various stakeholders and action that would yield the desired results in the society.
He charged the officers to use intelligence gathering to nip insecurity in the bud saying that they can no longer continue to be reactive but should rather be proactive.
He prompted them on the need for active grassroots intelligence and effective discharge of their duties in all ramifications warning that their continuous occupation of their various offices would henceforth be determined by their level of performances.
In a statement, Odumosu tasked them to furnish his office with daily intelligence and situation reports which would assist in fighting crimes and bring criminality to the barest minimum in different parts of FCT.
“We are responsible for the enforcement of peace and order and because of this, the citizens are looking up to us for the protection of their lives and property.
“The minister of the FCT has also charged all security agencies in the FCT to bring an end to the lingering insecurity in the FCT and we must not disappoint.
“Therefore we must rise to the occasion by maximising our human capital and being more intelligence driven to stay ahead of the enemies,” the commandant said.
He enjoined the Area Commanders and the Divisional Officers who are mostly domiciled at the suburbs to work closely with the local communities, especially the traditional rulers, the local chiefs, youth groups, the hunters, vigilantes and other well meaning Nigerians to bring an end to kidnapping and other forms of crimes in the FCT.
“The NSCDC is a grassroots organisation. We have offices close to the people. We should therefore take advantage of this to get intelligence from amongst them.
“The perpetrators of crimes and criminality are not ghosts. Credible intelligence is one of the most efficient ways to fish them out so that they can be made to face the full weight of the law,” Odumosu said.
Recall that between January 1, 2024 and now, no fewer than 15 persons have been reportedly kidnapped in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The victims were kidnapped in two major incidents that occurred in the first week of the new year, an indication that crime rate in FCT has risen.
Barely six days into the new year, seven persons, all members of the same family, were abducted by gunmen around Zuma 1 in the Bwari Area Council of the territory.
During the incident, one person, simply identified as Alhaji, was shot dead while two policemen received injuries during a gun battle with the kidnappers.
The deceased, said to be a relative of the abducted family members, was informed of the incident and he rushed to rescue them, but was killed by the gunmen.
On Sunday January 7, 2024, some armed men invaded Sagwari Layout Estate in Dutse, also in Bwari Area Council, about 7.30 pm and abducted nine persons including a mother and her four children.
The kidnappers reportedly dressed in military uniform, thereafter proceeded to a nearby hotel and kidnapped a receptionist and a barman on duty.