Police, Correctional Provider spouse to curb kidnapping in Abuja

The Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Correctional Service have pledged to collaborate to improve security in the Federal Capital Territory.

This was disclosed when the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, John Francis, paid a courtesy call to his police counterpart, CP Bennet Igweh, on Wednesday.

The FCT is facing an alarming spate of insecurity, prompting growing concerns among residents and authorities.

According to a December 2023 Nigeria Security Report by Beacon Consulting Ltd., an enterprise security risk management and intelligence firm, a total of 519 persons were abducted across 229 local government areas in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

A deep dive into the report showed that, based on a ranking, the FCT ranked third in the states with the highest number of abductees, with 67 civilians and 1 government official abducted in December 2023.

Since December 24, 2023, when suspected bandits attacked Garam, a community in Tafa LGA of Niger State, bordering the Bwari area council in the federal capital territory, abductions of residents have occurred almost daily.

Six sisters and their father in the Bwari Area Council of the FCT were abducted by bandits on January 13, 2024. The killing of Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar, one of the girls, generated anger among Nigerians.

Francis, in a statement signed by the command spokesperson, Adamu Duza, on Wednesday, said the insecurity situation in the FCT was worrisome, hence, the need for synergy cannot be overemphasised.

He noted, “I am here to familiarise with you and to seek actionable ways to improve and fortify the safety and security of FCT.”

Francis appreciated the support of the Commissioner of Police in the security formation of the Kuje Custodial Centre, especially in the deployment of his men.

He, however, appealed for a more cordial relationship between the two agencies for a more secure society.

In his response, Igweh expressed gratitude to the Controller for Corrections for finding time to visit, stating that it is healthy for both agencies.

He said, as a crime fighter, “My life and other citizens who have fought crime would not be safe if the custodial centres are not secured.”

CP Igweh pledged his support to the service in every area possible to enhance the security of FCT.