PRESS RELEASE:EMBASSY SECURITY ALERT: FCT COMMITTEE ASSURES RESIDENTS OF SAFETY THIS SEASON.

The Federal Capital Territory Security Committee ended its emergency security review session this afternoon with an appeal to residents to take seriously the issues of security in their neighbourhoods, work and worship places. 

This, the Committee said, has become imperative especially during the festive seasons.

The security emergency was convened, by the FCT Minister Malam Muhammad Musa Bello against the backdrop of travel alerts issued by some foreign diplomatic institutions to their citizens about Abuja.  The Minister, subsequently assured residents that the police and other security agencies have been placed on heightened alert to combat crime and ensure effective surveillance in the Territory.  

The FCT Minister, who was represented at the occasion by the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr. Chinyeaka Ohaa, said the police and other security outfits have stepped up patrol of reported flashpoints of crime as well as enhanced surveillance on supermarkets, malls and gardens among others.

The Minister also reiterated that the ban on the use of fireworks in the Territory is still in force and cautioned against the use of fireworks this season.

The Committee called on churches and mosques to galvanize their faithful for increased security alert. Residents have also been requested to be conscious of their environment and to report suspicious movements within their neighbourhoods to law enforcement agents.

The Committee, the Minister said, expressed concern over reports of increases in the use of drugs around the Territory.  He called on community and religious leaders as well as the public to be very watchful over the traffic and use of illicit drugs around them and to report such to the security agencies. 

The Security Committee also commended the Ministerial Task-force on Illegal Motor-parks and Other Forms of Nuisance Around the City for controlling the development of shanties around the city and for the proper designation of motor parks. According to them, this has enhanced security surveillance and control within the city in particular and the Territory at large. The Committee also expressed resolve to check the activities of unpainted taxis and their implication in kidnap crimes around the city.

The Nigerian Army at the occasion released a quick response number of 193 to the public as well as the Road Safety Corps which released the number 122 for traffic control calls. The Nigerian Army disclosed that the number 193 could be used to alert the Army call centre and give locations on crime, insurgency, fire, drug or even of any soldier molesting a civilian. The number, the Army representatives noted is available on all the networks. 

The Committee, it was revealed has also commenced security audit of the hotels, especially those patronized in the FCT to ascertain their security preparedness. This is with a view to assist them on security preparedness and awareness to assure tourists and investors that our hotels are safe.

The Commissioner of police Malam Sadiq Bello reinforced the assurances given by the FCT Minister by adding that the Police was working with other security agencies to ensure visibility policing, intelligence gathering and sharing as well as joint patrols.

Cosmas Uzodinma 
Chief Press Secretary