The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has announced plans to impound vehicles without registration numbers or those with defaced or single number plates as part of efforts to combat the menace of “one-chance” robberies.
In a statement on Tuesday, FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, revealed that regulations on covered number plates and tinted glasses would also be strictly enforced.
The command has deployed additional personnel and equipment for patrols, stop-and-search operations, and surveillance across the Territory to tackle the rise in “one-chance” crimes and car thefts.
The statement reads in part: “The FCT Police Command is deploying additional personnel and equipment for patrols, stop-and-search operations, and surveillance throughout the Federal Capital Territory. This initiative aims to combat rising incidents of “one chance” crimes and car theft.
“We will be impounding vehicles without registration numbers, with only one plate, or using defaced plates. Regulations regarding covered number plates and tinted glasses will also be enforced.
“While these operations may cause some inconvenience, they reflect our commitment to the safety of all FCT residents and to deterring criminal activities targeting motorists and passengers.
“Since launching these measures, we have successfully recovered stolen vehicles and apprehended ‘one chance’ robbers. We appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation during these operations, and we advise vehicle owners to ensure compliance with all regulations.
“The FCT Police Command is dedicated to maintaining a secure environment. We encourage residents to report suspicious activities and cooperate with our officers. Your safety is our priority”.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has vowed to demolish all shanties that pose security threats to the residents of the territory.
Wike made the declaration on Sunday evening in Abuja, when he inspected demolished shanties called Ruga, at Wuye, behind Finance Quarters, harbouring more than 10,000 illegal occupants.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a Ministerial Tasks Force named “Operation Sweep” had been demolishing illegal settlements across the city.
However, when the settlement, named by the occupants as Ruga, was demolished on Nov. 5, the illegal occupants, with support from some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) protested on Friday.
The occupants during the protest, called for the Minister’s sack for demolishing their illegal settlements, claiming it was built by their forefather.
But the Minister said that no amount of intimidation, blackmail or abuses by the illegal occupants or CSOs would deter the government from doing its job.
He expressed worry that the area had been demolished 22 times and yet the illegal occupants have refused to leave.
He warned that would not be a party to a situation where an illegal settlement would be demolished for 22 times and still standing.
“Be assured that we will continue with the demolition of shanties that pose a security threat to FCT, Abuja.
“It doesn’t matter what colouration; whatever name anybody wants to give to it, we will do the right thing and nothing will stop us,” he said.
Wike warned the illegal occupants against rebuilding any structure in the demolished area, saying the FCT Administration has a responsibility of protecting the lives and properties of all residents.
He explained that the shanties were demolished because security agencies have identified Ruga as one of the areas that pose security threats to the FCT,
He added that security agencies were working day and night to keep Abuja safe.
“This is where you have the rail line; this is a buffer zone and if we allow these kinds of people to live here, what it means, anything can happen to our train.
“Nobody will take that risk. You can imagine the number of persons that are living here, whom we cannot identify.
“We have told them that nobody should build anything, whether temporary or permanent, until the government has taken a final decision on what to do with the land,” he said.
He asked the spokesman of the illegal occupants to nominate five persons, including himself and meet with government officials on Tuesday to find a way out for the people.
On other shanties across the cities, the Minister said that all shanties would be demolished, while some of the areas would be converted to bus terminals.
Earlier, the spokesman of the occupants, Malam Abba Garo, said that although they could not lay claim to the land but have been living in the area for the past 39 years.
Garo noted that the area had been demolished 22 times, but occupants returned and rebuilt because they have no alternative accommodation.
He described the Ruga as a “mini-Nigeria” with people from different parts of the country represented in the community.
He pleaded with Wike to find them alternative land to settle, stressing that they have nowhere else to go. (NAN)
A report, Cadre Harmonisé (CH) has revealed that approximately 33.1 million people, including 514,474 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos and states are projected to experience a food crisis or worse (CH Phase 3) between June and August 2025.
The states identified as being affected include Sokoto, Zamfara, Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Gombe, Taraba, Katsina, Jigawa, Kano, Bauchi, Plateau, Kaduna, Kebbi, Niger, and Benue.
The report also highlighted that Cross River, Enugu, Edo, Abia, Kogi, Nasarawa, Kwara, Ogun, and Rivers will be affected.
The CH report, a food and nutrition security analysis produced by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security with technical support from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other partners, released also noted that about 25 million people, including 422,686 IDPs, are currently in a state of food crisis or worse from October to December 2024.
Regional Breakdown of crisis levels projected that an estimated 1.3 million people are expected to face a food crisis in Adamawa, two million in Borno while approximately 1.6 million people are projected to face critical food shortages mid-2025.
The CH report also highlighted severe malnutrition levels in Northeast and Northwest regions, estimating that nearly 5.44 million children aged 0-59 months are likely to suffer from acute malnutrition from May 2024 to April 2025.
This figure includes 1.8 million cases of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and 3.7 million cases of Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM). Additionally, about 787,000 pregnant and lactating women are expected to need urgent nutrition support.
From May to September 2024, it revealed that more than half of the 133 Local Government Areas (LGAs) analysed were classified as IPC Acute Malnutrition (AMN) Phase 3 or higher. Northeast Nigeria had 10 LGAs in IPC AMN Phase 4 (Critical) and 21 in Phase 3 (Serious), while in Northwest 24 local government areas were classified as critical and 29 as serious.
The report however attributed the malnutrition crisis to factors such as insufficient food quantity and quality, inadequate feeding practices, poor health services, high disease prevalence, and low health-seeking behavior.
It further noted that economic challenges, compounded by food insecurity, limited water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, and security issues from ongoing conflict and displacement, are exacerbating the crisis.
Key drivers of food and nutrition insecurity, it said, are high cost of food and non-food items, climate shocks, and rising fuel prices which are currently affecting household food consumption and livelihoods.
FAO Nigeria and ECOWAS representative, Tofiq Braimah, stressed that Nigeria is facing “unprecedented times affecting livelihoods and food and nutrition security of vulnerable populations.”
He noted that the CH workshops aim to assess food security data to identify at-risk populations and propose measures to prevent food crises or further escalation.
In his remarks, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Fod Security, Temitope Fashedemi noted that with the spike in fuel prices, transportation costs have soared, squeezing farmers profit margins and potentially driving up food prices for consumers.
Fashedemi also noted that these challenges and the daunting insecurity situation which has continued to threaten Nigeria’s food and nutrition security, have led to disruptions in food system (food production, distribution, marketing and even stocking mechanisms), resulting in poor consumption patterns among several households especially, in areas affected by insecurity.
He however pledged government assurance and commitment to upholding and utilising the outcome and recommendations proffered from the workshop in implementing food and nutrition security interventions.
“We also recommend that these results be adopted for planning and implementation of food and nutrition security interventions across the federal MDAs, 26 CH states, the humanitarian community and among allpartners operating in Nigeria.
Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Commissioner of Police (CP), Olatunji Disu on Friday, October 11, ordered the deployment of more officers to secure Bwari and Ushafa Communities.
Disu made a deployment when he visited the communities to assess the security situation.
According to a statement issued by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh: “On Friday, October 11, 2024, CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the newly appointed Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), visited the Bwari/Ushafa Communities to assess the security situation and evaluate ongoing deployments.
“This visit underscores the Command’s commitment to ensuring peace and security across the FCT, especially in communities facing challenges. CP Disu engaged with traditional rulers, youth groups, and residents, addressing their concerns and emphasizing the police’s dedication to swift and professional responses to threats.
“He highlighted the importance of collaboration with the community, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. The Command has strengthened deployments in key areas of Bwari, focusing on intelligence-driven operations and rapid response units. CP Disu assured that the FCT Command is committed to tackling crime and maintaining a secure environment for all.
“The FCT Command will continue to engage stakeholders, enhance its security strategies, and promote community policing initiatives. Residents can report suspicious activities via the emergency numbers: 08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938, and 07057337653. For complaints against police conduct, contact PCB at 09022222352 or CRU at 08107314192.”
Members of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) have said non-response from council chairmen is making the resolution of their six-day strike unpredictable.
The union members said the council chairmen were not making any move to response to their demands.
Primary school teachers in public schools who are members of the NUT embarked on an indefinite strike last week over non-payment of their outstanding entitlements and other unresolved issues.
The chairman of the union, Abdullahi Shafa, told our correspondent that a meeting was held alongside area council chairman and other stakeholders but it ended without in a stalemate.
Shafa said: “You are aware of the ongoing strike and have no headway yet. We met last Saturday to try and see if anything meaningful would be done to, maybe call off the strike, but it was not possible. We are still on it. I will get back to you when we progress.”
In a communiqué issued at the end of the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) meeting of the union in Abuja, Shafa said it resolved and directed all the primary school teachers in the FCT to resume the suspended strike with effect from last Wednesday.
This was after a 14-day ultimatum which the FCT chapter of the union issued to the six area councils.
With the development, all public primary school children and their teachers are still at home waiting for an end to the strike.
The Acting Chairman of FCT’s Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), Dr. Hassan Sule, last week regretted that the union should not have called for the strike yet, since they were in talks with the government.
The union lauded the intervention of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike who paid 40 per cent of the 25-month minimum wage arrears to primary school teachers.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the immediate redeployment of police commissioners for Rivers and Delta states’ commands and that of the the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The police boss said the redeployment was part of effort to reorganise the force for efficient and effective policing.
The redeployment moved the Rivers State Police Commissioner Olatunji Disu to the FCT; his Delta State counterpart, Abaniwonda Olufemi, to Rivers State, and the FCT Police Commissioner Peter Opara to Delta State.
A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), reads: “Following the approval of the Police Service Commission (PSC), the Inspector-General of Police has also deployed four CPs as Commissioners of Police for Abia, Lagos, Ebonyi, and Akwa Ibom states’ commands.
“The deployment includes the posting of CP Danladi Nda to Abia State Command; CP Olanrewaju Ishola Olawale to Lagos State Command; CP Anthonia Adaku Uche-Anya, fdc to Ebonyi State Command and CP Festus Eribo to Akwa Ibom State Command.
“The posting of these strategic managers reflects the mission of the Inspector-General of Police to strategically reposition the Police Force and ensure maximum utilisation of human resources available to the Force.
“The IGP has, however, urged the new CPs of State Commands to ensure diligence in the discharge of their lawful duties and adopt innovations that could mitigate security challenges in their respective areas of responsibility.
“He further encouraged them to key into the police reform plans, which will help the progress of the Nigeria Police Force and the growth of the country in general.”
Teachers of government-owned schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have embarked on an indefinite strike.
This was after a 14-day ultimatum that the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT chapter, issued to the six area councils in the territory.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) FCT Wing on Tuesday directed all primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to resume their suspended strike action, effective today, September 18, 2024.
This decision according to findings was made after the Area Council Chairmen failed to meet the teachers’ demands, despite a 14-day ultimatum.
According to Comrade Abdullahi Shafa, state chairman of the NUT FCT Wing, “The State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) deliberated extensively on the issues affecting teachers in the FCT and resolved to resume the suspended strike action due to the non-response of the Council Chairmen to our demands.”
Shafa said some of the unresolved issues include: “Payment of Remaining 60% of Minimum Wage Arrears: The union is demanding the payment of the remaining 60% of the 25 months Minimum Wage Arrears owed to primary school teachers.
“Implementation of Salary Increase: The union is seeking the implementation and payment of arrears of the 25% and 35% salary increase. Payment of Peculiar Allowance*: The union is demanding the implementation and payment of arrears of the 40% Peculiar Allowance.
“Payment of Wage Award: The union is seeking the payment of arrears of the N35,000 Wage Award.
“Correct Implementation of Template: The union wants the correct and continuous implementation of the template on outstanding entitlements of teachers, as agreed upon in 2022”.
The strike, he said, will continue until the Area Council Chairmen meet the union’s demands.
NUT advised parents to keep their children at home until further notice.
“We appeal to all teachers to remain calm and disregard any counter directives except as directed by the Union,” said Comrade Margaret F. Jethro, State Secretary of the NUT FCT Wing.
The union also commended the intervention of the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, in paying 40% of the total sum of 25 months Minimum Wage Arrears to primary school teachers.
Pupils who went to school on Wednesday returned home disappointed, as according to them, their teachers directed them back on getting to the school gate.
Also, a primary school teacher who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent that a resolution was taken before the exercise kicked off.
She said the strike is mainly on the demand to press the six area councils to fulfill their pledge to settle 60 percent owed minimum wage arrears.
She condemned the councils over their non-implementation of paying teachers a 40 percent peculiar allowance, as well as the non-implementation of 25 percent and 35 percent teacher’s salary increments, respectively.
“It would also be followed by the protest as well as solidarity from the secondary schools’ teachers in the long run. But as of now, it would affect the JSS 1 incoming students because their result is due for release,” she added.
It would be recalled that the NUT FCT Wing had initially suspended the strike in anticipation of the Area Council Chairmen’s response to their demands.
The strike has affected all public primary schools in the FCT, leaving thousands of pupils affected.
All efforts to speak with the FCT Area Council Chairman to react to the development were futile as none of the six Area Council chairmen picked up their calls.
The National Executive Council (NEC) has given the states yet to submit their reports on the proposal for the creation of state police to do so on or before Monday, September 9.
It would be recalled that President Bola Tinubu had on Thursday, February 15, 2024, agreed with the need to establish state police as recommended by state governors to curb rising insecurity in the country.
States were thereafter directed to submit their reports to the council for deliberation and action.
Disclosing the NEC’s ultimatum on the matter to journalists at the end of the Council’s 143rd meeting at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday, the acting governor of Oyo state, Bayo Lawal, said failure by the four states yet to bring in their reports by Monday would mean whatever decision the Council arrives at would be imposed on them.
Though Lawal refused to mention those states involved, the investigation revealed that they were Adamawa, Sokoto, Kwara, Kebbi, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He said: “An update on the establishment of State police was considered and this was as a result of the security situation challenges that we have across the nation in Northeast, Northcentral, southwest, Southeast and south-south.
“So that we would have robust security in our nation, for that purpose sometime last year NEC considered the establishment of state police and asked states to make submissions of considerations
“Today all the states were supposed to submit for consideration of the NEC. Incidentally, four states couldn’t submit for that purpose. NEC decided that those states must make their submissions on or before Monday 9th September otherwise whatever decision NEC takes on the establishment of State police is binding on those states that refused to submit.”
In continuation of the efforts to modernise transportation in the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Monday flagged off the construction of a bus and taxi terminal in the Central Business District of Abuja.
The development, he vowed, will curb insecurity in Abuja.
Speaking during the flag off ceremony at the site of the proposed terminal, Wike stressed the commitment of the FCT Administration to expanding transportation infrastructure in the FCT with the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Minister, who stated that the provision of road infrastructure in the FCT will not be complete without linking them to the various bus and taxi terminals, also said the project will be constructed according to modern standards and will have facilities for relaxation, including restaurants.
The Minister recalled that the FCTA had earlier flagged off the construction of two bus terminals in Mabushi and Kugbo axis of the FCT and added that the provision of a bus terminal in the CBD will not only improve transportation but will also help to address one chance menace.
He said the management of the bus terminals will ensure that buses and taxi operators at the various terminals are clearly identified for security reasons.
He said: “Before now, we have flagged off two bus terminals, one in Mabushi and one in Kugbo. This one is for the Central Business District, which is like the centre of the city.
“Some of us who have had the privilege of traveling overseas or traveling to other countries have come across these facilities. What comes to mind is why is it that we cannot also have the same facilities that we enjoy when we go outside the country?
“Abuja is a beautiful city. By the grace of God, through the support of Mr. President, we have continued to expand the road infrastructure, improve the efficiency of public transportation, reduce traffic congestion and provide a more comfortable and convenient travel experience for both residents and visitors.
“What we are trying to do is to integrate and improve our transport system. It is going to cut off this so-called “one chance” that is always committed here.
“The management of these bus and taxi terminals will know that these are the vehicles that go to so and so place and these are the vehicles you have boarded. For security reasons, we will be able to identify them, unlike where you will go and stand on the road, you don’t know who is plying the vehicle.
“Part of what we are doing today is establishing a bus and taxi terminal that you can go and say that I am going to Gwagwalada and we are aware. If anything happens, this is the vehicle and this is the driver that will be held responsible”.
Wike who also described the construction of the terminals as a practical demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, assured that the project will be adequately funded to ensure its timely completion.
The FCT Minister also thanked the National Assembly for its unwavering support to the FCT which he said has helped in the provision of infrastructure for the benefit of the people.
The Minister of State FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, thanked the FCT Minister for his visionary leadership and guidance in the FCT, stressing that the Minister’s vision and commitment have been instrumental in bringing vital infrastructure projects to fruition in the FCT.
Mahmoud, who also commended the FCT Transportation Secretariat for their pivotal role in ensuring the successful commencement of the bus and taxi terminals, said the project will significantly enhance the transportation network in the FCT when completed.
She said the project will serve as a testament to the city’s growth and the commitment of the FCT Administration to improving public services and called for the continued support of FCT residents and other stakeholders.
In his remarks, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on FCT, Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara also commended the FCT Minister for his efforts in modernizing transportation infrastructure in the FCT and pledged the continued support of the National Assembly to infrastructure development in the FCT.
Also speaking, the member representing the Abuja South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Abdulrahman Ajiya, also commended the FCT Minister for the provision of infrastructure in the FCT, describing him as a working Minister.
Hon. Ajiya further commended the strategic location of the bus terminal in the city centre and assured of the continued support of the House of Representatives for the FCTA.
In his welcome address, the Mandate Secretary, FCT Transport Secretariat, Chinedum Elechi said the bus terminals when completed, will significantly reduce congestion on the road, leading to faster travel time in the FCT.
Giving an overview of the project, the contractor, Engr. Biodun Otunola, stressed that the project will be iconic and befitting for a city like Abuja with modern facilities like elevators, CCTV, retail shops and ATM points among others and assured of quality and timely delivery of the project.
Highlight of the event was the symbolic cutting of the tape, which was performed by the FCT Minister, FCT Minister of State, Federal Lawmakers present, traditional chiefs of the FCT and other dignitaries.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has reaffirmed its commitment to drastically reduce malaria mortality among children under the age of five.
As part of its health initiatives, the FCT has also introduced a new policy prohibiting certain categories of health workers from wearing mufti during official hours.
Additionally, the government has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the management of NISA Medical Group to extend the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for the continued management of Garki Hospital, Abuja.
During a presentation of hospital commodities and the signing of an MOU with NISA Medical Group on Wednesday in Abuja, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Adedolapo Fasawe, emphasised the unwavering commitment of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to addressing the healthcare challenges facing residents with the various steps being taken to ensure quality and affordable healthcare, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Fasawe, who underscored the urgency of addressing malaria, cited alarming statistics showing that 10 children die of malaria every second in Africa while urging FCT residents to take advantage of the ongoing Malaria Consortium Programme, which provides medicine at no cost for children under five.
She noted the critical role of mothers in this initiative considering that the FCT Minister was among the first state executives to contribute counterpart funding to the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) grant, enabling the FCT to access the anti-malaria medication.
The Mandate Secretary explained that under the Impact project, IDB is providing nearly one million doses of anti-malaria drugs, and additional human resources to support hospital staffing and community health advocacy efforts.
The initiative is particularly focused on making healthcare more affordable, especially for those registered under the health insurance scheme, who will receive malaria medication free of charge, she noted.
According to her, the Wike-led FCT administration has already paid its $100,000 counterpart funding, which has led to the unlocking of an additional N900m from the IDB.
This funding, she said, will be used to ensure that no patient has to pay for malaria treatment, a significant step toward ‘medical palliative’ to make essential healthcare services accessible to all.
She encouraged residents to take full advantage of the Malaria Consortium Programme’s opportunity to significantly reduce child mortality, particularly for children under five.
Regarding the MoU with Garki Hospital, she stated that it aims to make comprehensive healthcare services more accessible to residents while urging the private sector to take the initiative and partner with the FCT in managing other health facilities.
She noted that FCT’s decision to embrace PPPs stems from the recognition that the government alone cannot meet the increasing healthcare demands of the growing population.
She said the agreement, which initially covers 15 years, is renewable and can be terminated by either party with a 90-day notice if expectations are not met.
“This flexibility ensures that both the government and the private sector are held accountable and can maintain the highest standards in healthcare delivery,” she said.
Fasawe, who stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, and continuous monitoring and evaluation in the partnership, said it aims to ensure that both the government and the private sector are held accountable and can maintain the highest standards in healthcare delivery.
Underlining the administration’s commitment to transparency, the Mandate Secretary admonished the partner on the need for a robust financial verification system to ensure that the services provided are in line with the agreed terms.
“If you tell us we made only 100 Naira in May, there should be a system that would verify that we made 100 Naira in May,” she said.
According to her, while the partnership is promising, it comes with its challenges, the administration inherited unresolved legal disputes from previous agreements, but they have amicably settled out of court, paving the way for a fresh start.
She expressed optimism that the renewed partnership will set a new benchmark in healthcare delivery in the FCT.
Wada also confirmed that the legal dispute over the previous MOU has been settled out of court.
Fasawe also disclosed that the FCT administration is introducing new policies to further enhance healthcare quality with a shift to cashless transactions in its General hospitals and stricter hygiene protocols to prevent the spread of infections.
“For instance, healthcare workers will now be required to wear sterile, disposable gowns instead of their clothing, a move aimed at reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections,” he said.
The management of NISA Medical Group, led by Chairman, Ibrahim Wada, assured the FCT and its residents of their commitment to strictly adhere to the terms of the agreement aimed at advancing the Territory’s healthcare services.
The General Hospital Medical Directors also confirmed that the medical supplies received would be utilized for their intended purposes.
The medical supplies presented to the hospitals include surgical reinforcement gowns, personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent doctor-to-patient transmission, multivitamin preparations for pregnant women to reduce individual procurement costs, and preventive malaria combination medicines intended exclusively for children under five, not for adults or pregnant women.
