Despite some embassies in the nation’s capital issuing security advisories to the contrary, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has deemed the territory safe.
Bello made the announcement on Thursday as he gave 60 functioning vehicles to the Territory’s security services, saying that doing so would enable him to step up the fight against organized crime organizations.
The Police, Armed Forces, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other paramilitary groups, as well as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), were among the organizations that benefited.
Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, the FCT Minister, said at a brief handover ceremony on Thursday that the intervention was meant to boost the capabilities of security services in the nation’s capital.
He claims that the vehicles will be outfitted with cutting-edge security technology that is centrally managed.
He said; “What we are doing today is to showcase the FCTA’s contribution to the Federal Government’s efforts.
“Permit me to seize this opportunity to commend the efforts of our gallant men and women in uniform who are working tirelessly to ensure that we all remain safe, with some of them paying the supreme price.
“lt is imperative that I mention here that 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.
“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”.
“It is worthy to mention that apart from these operational vehicles, the Administration is equally providing other security related gadgets and equipment for the optimal performance of the security agencies.
“We currently confront crimes ranging from traffic offences to more heinous ones such as banditry, armed robbery and kidnapping. It is our expectations that these vehicles and other security equipment will be put to effective use.
“I wish to reiterate that the FCT remains safe and our confidence in the ability of our security agencies to provide adequate security has not wavered. We pledge our continuous support to them in the discharge of their responsibilities”.
Bello said he remained optimistic that they would solely be used for the purpose for which they were procured, adding 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”.
Meanwhile, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, FCDO, has again warned British nationals against non-essential travels to the Federal Capital Territory.
This was even as the FCDO warned of an increased terrorist attack in the FCT, adding that the travel advice will be constantly reviewed as it reflects the situation.
The FCDO in its advisory, listed Bauchi, Kano, Jigawa, Niger, Sokoto, Kogi, Abia, Kebbi, Plateau, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states, as places against all but essential travels.
“The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice on 26 October to British nationals. The FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to the Federal Capital Territory, including the city of Abuja.
“The updated advice outlines that there is an increased threat of terrorist attack in Abuja. British nationals are advised to stay alert, avoid non-essential travel within the city and follow the local news and the advice of security authorities.
“The British High Commission remains open for essential services. The travel advice will constantly be reviewed to make sure it reflects the current situation in Abuja and Nigeria.
“FCDO travel advice exists to inform British nationals so they can make decisions about travelling abroad. Other states in Nigeria where we advise against all but essential travel include Bauchi, Kano, Jigawa, Niger, Sokoto, Kogi, Abia, Plateau, Taraba, within 20km of the border with Niger in Kebbi State and non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states,” the The advisory read.