Insecurity: It’s Not Tinubu’s Responsibility To Identify Criminals – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that it is not President Bola Tinubu’s duty to locate criminals.

According to Wike, President Tinubu prioritizes ensuring the security of citizens’ lives and properties and will supply the necessary security tools, but it is up to the security agencies to combat the criminals.

Naijaonpoint reports that this remark was made on Friday, July 5, when the FCT Minister presented 50 operational vehicles, equipped with communication gadgets, to various security agencies to bolster their efforts against insecurity in the nation’s capital.

The allocation of vehicles included 24 for the FCT Police Command, eight for the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), six for Advance Party/Security Monitoring and FCT Administration, and five for the Department of State Services (DSS).

Additionally, the Guard Brigade of the Nigerian Army received three vehicles, while the Nigeria Air Force, Naval Unit, Nigerian Immigration Service, and National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency each received one vehicle.

Wike highlighted the shift from focusing solely on infrastructure and development to prioritizing security as a key element of the renewed hope agenda.

He stressed that the government’s role is to provide the necessary tools for security agencies to tackle crime effectively, allowing citizens to feel safe.

Wike said: “We are no longer talking about infrastructure; we are no longer talking about taking development to the Area Councils; we are now talking about a key factor, a key agenda in the renewed hope mantra, and that has to do with security.

“We are not just concentrating on infrastructure; we are not only concentrating on bringing development to the hinterland; we are also concentrating on providing security in order to protect lives and properties.

“So, it is a priority for President Tinubu that Nigerians are secured, and who are those that are responsible? It is the security agencies.

“For us as a government, it is not the responsibility of Mr President to go and identify where the criminals are; it is not my responsibility or the minister of state’s responsibility to go and engage criminals. It is our responsibility to provide the tools for the security agencies to confront these criminals and make sure we sleep with our two eyes closed.

“If we do not play this role, it will be difficult for our security agencies to be effective and to be able to carry out this function of securing lives and properties.”

He urged residents to support and pray for security personnel who risk their lives in the line of duty. Wike also praised the security agencies for their efforts in reducing crime in the FCT and promised ongoing support to provide necessary tools.

Wike cautioned the agencies to use the vehicles for their intended purposes and not for personal use. “These vehicles are not for private use because they are air-conditioned. They should be used for their intended purpose,” he stated.

Adamu Gwary, Director of the FCT Security Services Department, acknowledged the rising security concerns in and around the FCT.

He expressed that the operational vehicles would enhance the capacity of security agencies to respond to crimes and distress situations effectively.

“Crime prevention is a collective responsibility, and everyone must contribute to ensuring safety and security,” Gwary added.

Representing the security agencies, Commissioner of Police Benneth Igweh, FCT Command, expressed gratitude for Wike’s continuous support.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Kayode Ojakinwa, speaking on behalf of Igweh, assured that the agencies would use the vehicles effectively to ensure the security of all residents.