Wike presides as FCT resolves to strengthen security collaboration with neighbouring states to tackle cross-border crimes

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

In a bid to enhance regional security, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Security Committee has resolved to intensify its collaboration with security agencies in states bordering the Federal Capital Territory.

According to a statement issued by Director of Press in the Office of the Minister, Anthony Ogunleye, the move aims to establish a unified policing strategy, effectively preventing the displacement of criminal activities from one state to another.

The announcement was made by FCT Police Commissioner Olatunji Disu on Friday, following the conclusion of the first Security Committee Meeting of the FCT for the year 2025.

The meeting was chaired by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

According to Commissioner Disu, a joint task force, comprising the military, Civil Defence, and the police, is currently conducting clearance operations in communities bordering the FCT.

These operations are designed to proactively address potential incursions by bandits seeking to move across state lines. Disu noted that the success of these operations has significantly contributed to the peace observed over the past few weeks.

To build upon this progress, the Police Commissioner emphasised the critical importance of inter-state collaboration. He said plans are underway to establish more robust collaborations and joint operations with security operatives from neighboring states.

This unified approach, Disu explained, will ensure more effective policing of the region and prevent cross-border banditry.

The activities of the joint task force, which includes various security agencies, will continue, with specific tasks assigned to each. The Commissioner expressed confidence in the ongoing success of this collaborative effort.

The Security Committee also addressed other critical issues, including the ongoing profiling of market operators involved in scavenging activities, known as “panteka,” within the FCT. Disu highlighted recent successful operations targeting infrastructure theft, including the recovery of stolen manhole covers and electrical cables.

He noted that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has expressed satisfaction with the positive results of these operations.

The Police Commissioner addressed the issue of harassment and illegal levies imposed on FCT residents by touts, stating that operations were being planned to address the problem decisively.

He encouraged residents to report any instances of harassment to the police, using the publicly available contact numbers.

Acknowledging concerns regarding the relatively light sentences given to convicted vandals, who often return to criminal activities upon their release, Disu expressed the desire to engage in discussions with judicial authorities to share observations and explore areas of improvement. He recognized the constitutional independence of the judiciary and expressed hope that discussions with judicial officials would lead to more effective outcomes in the administration of justice.

The Commissioner emphasised the FCT Security Committee’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and assured that the security agencies would continue to work diligently to address any emerging threats in the FCT.

The meeting was attended by heads of all security agencies in the FCT, the FCT Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, Chief of Staff to the Minister, Chidi Amadi, FCTA Head of Service, Grace Adayilo, and the Director of the FCTA Security Services Department, Adamu Gwary.

Security chiefs from the FCT and its six neighbouring states—Benue, Kaduna, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau had met in Abuja in July 2023 to develop strategies to tackle cross-border security challenges.

At that meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the FCT Administration, Olusade Adesola, emphasised that the G-7 provides an opportunity for intelligence gathering, sharing, and joint-border operations.