The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has pushed back against claims that banditry is widespread in Abuja, insisting that the nation’s capital remains secure despite isolated criminal incidents.
Wike made this known on Monday while inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects across the city.
Although he acknowledged that crime exists, he maintained that reports portraying Abuja as a hub for banditry are inaccurate and exaggerated.
He emphasized that security agencies are actively working to contain criminal activities and deserve recognition for their efforts rather than constant criticism.
He said, “I have always said, we only hear one incident but nobody has said, we have been able to curb or reduce this. There is nowhere in this world, be it any developed country, where you will see there is no form of crime.
“I don’t believe there is banditry in Abuja. But again, it is a city where people want to go and do all kinds of things, kidnapping, this and that.
“So, it will be difficult for anybody to say that in a city that you don’t have one form of crime or another. So, there is no recurrence of banditry. There is no banditry in Abuja. I know that last time some people were kidnapped in Bwari but they were all rescued.
“What’s important is what measures, how serious the security agencies take this. As far as I am concerned, they are really taking their work very seriously. And we need to give them the necessary support.
“We do not need to always advertise one crime when they have stopped about 50 crimes. And nobody has come out to commend the security agencies, to commend the administration for being able to reduce the crime.
“I think we should commend the security agencies, and they will continue to improve.”
Wike further stressed that while incidents such as kidnapping may occur, they do not amount to a pattern of banditry in the capital. He pointed to recent security responses, including rescue operations, as evidence that law enforcement agencies are functioning effectively.
The minister concluded by urging residents and the public to support security agencies and acknowledge their successes in reducing crime across the FCT.
What you should know
Nyesom Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and oversees administration and development in Abuja.
His comments come amid ongoing public concern about security in the capital, particularly following reports of kidnappings in surrounding areas like Bwari.
While authorities insist crime is being controlled, debates continue over the true security situation in Abuja and the effectiveness of ongoing measures by law enforcement agencies to ensure residents’ safety.
