FCT Security Committee to Strengthen Cross-Border Collaborations
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Security Committee has unveiled plans to enhance cooperation with security agencies in neighbouring states. The goal is to develop a unified approach to policing the Territory and tackle the growing trend of criminal activities crossing jurisdictional boundaries.
This announcement was made by FCT Police Commissioner, CP Olatunji Disu, during a press briefing on Friday in Abuja. The briefing followed the Committee’s first meeting of the year, chaired by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Disu explained that a joint task force, made up of personnel from the military, Civil Defence, and the Police, has been actively conducting clearance operations in border communities around the FCT. These efforts aim to prevent bandits from infiltrating the Territory from neighbouring states. He noted that these proactive measures have played a significant role in the peace observed in the FCT in recent weeks.
Emphasizing the importance of inter-state collaboration, CP Disu stated, “We are in the process of forming stronger partnerships with security forces from neighbouring states.” He added that this collective approach will enhance policing efficiency and curb cross-border banditry.
The Commissioner confirmed that the joint task force’s operations would continue, with each security agency assigned specific roles to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Apart from border security, the Committee also discussed the ongoing profiling of market operators involved in scavenging activities, commonly known as “panteka” in the FCT. Disu highlighted the success of operations aimed at tackling infrastructure theft, including the recovery of stolen manhole covers and electrical cables. He reported that the FCT Minister expressed satisfaction with the positive outcomes of these operations.
The Police Commissioner also addressed the issue of harassment by touts linked to the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). He revealed that operations are being planned to tackle this issue head-on and urged residents to report any incidents of harassment to the police using publicly available contact details.
Disu also discussed the issue of relatively lenient sentences for convicted vandals, many of whom return to criminal activities after serving short sentences. He expressed a desire to engage judicial authorities in discussions to address this issue and explore ways to improve the justice system. While acknowledging the independence of the judiciary, he expressed hope that such discussions would lead to better outcomes in criminal justice administration.
The Commissioner assured the public that the FCT Security Committee is committed to the safety and security of all residents and that security agencies will continue to work tirelessly to address emerging threats in the Territory.
