The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is grappling with an unprecedented wave of violence, with over 200 recorded violent attacks, resulting in 87 deaths and 176 kidnappings since President Bola Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023. Disturbingly, the surge in insecurity has heightened concerns among residents and authorities alike, transforming the once relatively secure capital city into a hotspot for criminal activities.
Rise in Violence Under Minister Nyesom Wike’s Tenure
The security landscape of the FCT under Tinubu regime has witnessed a dramatic shift since the assumption of office by Minister Nyesom Wike on August 16, 2023. Beacon Consulting, a local firm monitoring security issues, reported that violent incidents have increased significantly, contributing to a sense of insecurity among the residents.
Escalating Kidnappings and Disturbing Trends
Abuja, once considered immune to prevalent security challenges, is now facing an alarming surge in criminal activities, primarily kidnappings. According to data from 2020, Abuja was ranked 11th among locations with frequent abductions. Over the last three years, close to 50 kidnapping cases involving more than 200 individuals have been recorded in the FCT.
The severity of the situation becomes evident when examining data from January 2021 to June 2023, revealing approximately 40 recorded cases with 236 victims. Tinubu in power has a record from October and December 2023 alone, 13 recorded kidnapping incidents impacted 80 victims
Kidnappings are not isolated to specific areas but have occurred in various locations within Abuja, including Gwagwalada Kuje, Lugbe, Pegi, Abaji, Keti, and Kwali. The troubling aspect is the apparent lack of effective intervention by security agencies, allowing criminal elements to operate with impunity.
Economic Toll and Ransom Payments
The rising insecurity is taking a toll on the economic fabric of the FCT, with confirmed ransom payments totaling N653.7 million between 2021 and 2022. Businesses and residents in affected areas are bearing the brunt of security challenges, impacting daily life and economic activities.
Recent Notable Kidnappings
Showing a track record under President Bola Tinubu, the list of notable incidents includes the abduction of seven individuals, including six girls, on January 5, 2024, in the Bwari Area Council. Another incident involved the abduction of the wife and in-law of lawyer Cyril Adikwu on January 18, 2024, in the Kurudu area of Abuja.
Government Response: Special Intervention Squad Launched
To address the escalating security concerns, the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, launched the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) in the FCT. The squad is tasked with patrolling and securing communities in border areas to curb and mitigate violent attacks.
Operatives of the SIS have commenced patrols across the FCT and border towns, villages, and hamlets. The deployment is aimed at addressing security concerns in crisis-prone areas.
Concerns and Calls for Action
As the FCT grapples with the surge in violence, Nigerians are calling on the Federal Government and security agencies to find lasting solutions to the problem. The SIS initiative, though welcomed, is under scrutiny, and its effectiveness in restoring peace and security in the FCT remains to be seen.
The situation underscores the need for comprehensive efforts to address the root causes of insecurity, providing not just reactive measures but also proactive strategies to create a safer environment for residents of the Federal Capital Territory.