Alarming Rise in Insecurity: Over 87 Residents Killed, 176 Kidnapped in FCT Under Tinubu’s Administration

In a recent investigation, it has been revealed that since President Bola Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has witnessed over 200 violent attacks, resulting in the tragic death of at least 87 residents and the kidnapping of 176 individuals. These unsettling figures were compiled from data provided by Beacon Consulting, a local security monitoring firm, and various media reports covering incidents in the FCT.

Notably, the surge in violent attacks coincided with the tenure of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, who assumed office on August 16, 2023. What was once considered a relatively secure capital city is now grappling with an escalating wave of criminal activities, particularly kidnappings.

A 2020 report by SB Morgen ranked Abuja 11th among locations with frequent abductions, signaling a shift in the security landscape. The gravity of the issue becomes even more apparent when examining data from January 2021 to June 2023, revealing approximately 40 recorded cases with 236 victims. Between October and December 2023 alone, 13 recorded kidnap incidents impacted 80 victims.

These incidents are not confined to specific areas but have occurred in various locations within Abuja, including Gwagwalada Kuje, Lugbe, Pegi, Abaji, Keti, and Kwali. Concerningly, these incidents seem to happen without effective challenges from security agencies, allowing criminal elements to operate with impunity.

The economic toll of this rising insecurity is substantial, with confirmed ransom payments totaling N653.7 million between 2021 and 2022. Residents and businesses in affected areas bear the brunt of security challenges, impacting daily life and economic activities.

The most recent incidents include the abduction of seven individuals, including six girls, on January 5, 2024, in the Bwari Area Council. Additionally, the wife and in-law of lawyer Cyril Adikwu were abducted on January 18, 2024, in the Kurudu area of Abuja.

In response to the surge in incidents, Nigerians are calling on the Federal Government and security agencies to find a lasting solution. The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, launched the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) in the FCT to curb kidnapping and banditry.

The SIS, composed of specially trained, well-equipped, and highly mobile officers, has initiated patrols across the FCT and border towns to intervene and mitigate violent attacks. The objective is to address the security concerns in the FCT and restore peace and harmony to the capital city.

The deployment of SIS operatives covers crisis-prone areas and exits out of the city. The Commander of the FCT SIS, Bennett Igwe, stated that the squad’s reach extends beyond borders, emphasizing their commitment to flushing out bandits and ensuring the safety of FCT residents.

While unveiling the SIS, IG Egbetokun emphasized the need for immediate and resolute action against the alarming rise in criminal activities. The SIS’s comprehensive approach includes community-oriented policing to effectively contain security breaches threatening the FCT.

In addition to the SIS, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has directed the establishment of two new divisional police stations in Gwagwalada to strengthen security efforts. Operational vehicles and communication gadgets will also be provided to police stations across the six area councils in the coming week.

As the nation grapples with the nationwide spread of criminal elements into major cities, especially the FCT, these proactive measures aim to restore security and instill confidence among residents. However, challenges persist, and the collaboration between the government, security agencies, and communities remains crucial in ensuring lasting solutions to the rising insecurity in the FCT.