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FCT security agencies lacking essential tracking devices – Wike
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, express concern over limited equipment available to security agencies in the nation’s capital, and has announced plans to address the issue by obtaining drones for surveillance operations in border communities.
Wike pointed out the deficiency in basic tracking devices within the FCT commands of the police and the Department of State Services, emphasising the need to equip them adequately for effective security measures.
The minister addressed these issues during a discussion with journalists on Thursday, highlighting the importance of enhancing security measures to combat crimes like kidnapping.
READ ALSO: Abuja’s Kidnapping Crisis: A city in fear, families in despair
He said, “It’s unfortunate to say this, that mostly the security agencies, in particular I will say, the police here, are not adequately equipped. In fact, you cannot believe it that the police command of the FCT do not even have ordinary tracking device. You cannot believe that.
“Not only them, even the FCT Command of the Department of State Services do not even have. And the only one they have is at the headquarters. So, if there are things to do, they have to go to the headquarters, which is not supposed to be.
‘’Luckily, I told Mr President that look, we have to do something, and there must be emergency procurement of this equipment,” he added.
He explained that his administration had earlier applied to the Bureau of Public Procurement for emergency procurement of equipment for the security agencies, but was denied, until the President gave approval in January, following the abduction of some persons.
Wike also said that the FCT Administration under his leadership planned to purchase drones to enhance and monitor security, particularly at the boundaries of the FCT.
“In fact, that is one of the approvals Mr President gave to us. We are going to purchase our own drones to help in surveillance and in operation, particularly within these boundaries that the topography is so bad, so hilly, and where you have the forests. And we make sure that it is provided in the 2024 statutory budget. I briefed this to the National Assembly yesterday and they were highly elated,” he said.
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