The Senate on Wednesday, February 28, summoned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike and the Commissioner of Police in charge of the territory, Benneth Igweh, over insecurity.
The Senate said the invitation had become necessary to enable both Wike and Igweh to brief it in closed session concerning the spate of insecurity in the FCT and measures being taken to address the menace.
This is even as the Senate observed a minute silence in honour of those killed in the territory due to the cruelty of bandits and kidnappers.
The resolutions of the red chamber followed its consideration and adoption of a motion titled: “Galadimawa kidnap incident and need to urgently enhance security measures in FCT, Nigeria.”
The motion was sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta North).
Other prayers of the motion adopted by the Senate include: “Urge the Inspector-General of Police to see to the installation of CCTV cameras in strategic locations within and around Abuja, highways, and other major capital cities to bolster surveillance and deter criminal activities;
“Also call on the Inspector-General of Police to urgently increase security patrols and surveillance within Abuja and across the nation to proactively combat and prevent further kidnappings;
“Mandate the Committees on Defence and Police to recommend robust strategies to prevent future kidnappings within FCT;
“Call for the recruitment of more police personnel to bolster security forces’ capacity to combat kidnappings and other criminal activities effectively;
“Urge for the provision of adequate mobility resources for the police to enhance their ability to respond swiftly to security threats and conduct patrols effectively;
“Call on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to urgently ensure the functionality of dedicated emergency numbers for police, ambulance, and fire service emergencies, to enhance swift response to security and public safety incidents.
“Urge the Police to dedicate a three-digit emergency number for effective emergency response.”
Nwoko in his lead debate, said the Senate notes that on November 23, 2023, the Senate vie a motion resolved that security agencies fortify security and address the surge of kidnappings in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He said the Senate also “notes that the resolution was prompted by the tragic abduction of 19 individuals, including Senator Ned Nwoko’s Senior Legislative Aide, Barrister Chris Agidy, in Galadimawa, Abuja.”
He said the Senate is aware that “upon receiving the distressing news, Senator Nwoko took immediate action and promptly contacted the FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth C. Igweh, who swiftly activated the O.C. (Officer in Charge) Anti-Kidnapping team to secure the release of those abducted.
He added: “Informed that the FCT Police Command operatives conducted a successful operation on 24th February 2024. Acting on reliable intelligence, they raided Sardauna Forest in Toto, Nasarawa State, and apprehended Samaila Wakili Fafa, also known as Habu Ibrahim, a notorious kidnap kingpin who has long eluded capture and has been on the Command’s wanted list.
“Informed also that the suspect has admitted that his criminal syndicate orchestrated and carried out numerous kidnappings in the FCT and its surrounding areas, including the abduction of Barrister Chris Agidy, and Mr Sunday Yahaya Zakwai, the District Head of Ketti Village.
“Disturbed that the gravity of this situation has only been compounded by the revelation of Barrister Agidy and others’ untimely demise at the hands of these abductors, and their remains recovered and deposited at Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital mortuary for medical assessment;
“Cognizant of the Police Force efforts who displayed unwavering dedication and determination in pursuing kidnappers – the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth C. Igweh, who personally led the team into the forest in search of the bodies, CSP Mustafa, the Officer in Charge of Anti-Kidnapping, and CP Victor, the Divisional Police Officer of Utako, along with courageous police officers.”
Senators in their contributions supported the motion and approved the prayers when they were put to voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.