The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports of recurring banditry in Abuja, describing them as exaggerated.
Speaking during an inspection of ongoing projects in the capital on Monday, Wike assured residents that Abuja remains secure and that security agencies are effectively tackling crime. He also called for public recognition of the efforts of the nation’s security personnel.
“I don’t believe there is banditry in Abuja. Yes, it is a city where people may try things like kidnapping, but that does not mean there is a recurring bandit problem,” Wike said.
He recalled a recent kidnapping incident in Bwari, noting that all victims were successfully rescued. “What matters is how seriously our security agencies take these incidents. They are doing their work diligently, and we should support and commend them,” he added.
Wike further urged the public not to focus only on isolated crimes, emphasizing that many incidents are prevented or resolved without widespread attention. “We do not need to always advertise one crime when they have stopped about 50. We should commend the security agencies and the administration for reducing crime,” he said.
Banditry has plagued several states in Nigeria over the past years, with criminal groups involved in killings, kidnappings, and ransom demands. In response, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency on security last year to curb the rising insecurity nationwide. However, bandits, terrorists, and other criminal elements continue to operate in various regions.
Wike’s comments underline the FCT administration’s position that Abuja remains largely safe despite national security challenges.
