TheCable

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), has directed police command in Abuja to establish two additional divisions in Gwagwalada area council of the territory.

Wike gave the directive on Friday during a security townhall meeting with stakeholders in Gwagwalada.

The meeting was held to find lasting solutions to security challenges affecting the nation’s capital.

The directive was in response to a request by the Abubakar Giri, the council chairman, who pleaded for the additional divisions to improve security, particularly in border communities.

Giri said the area council currently had only two police divisions in Zuba and Gwagwalada.

The council chairman also complained of abandoned buildings which he said have become safe haven for criminals.

Wike acknowledged the challenges and assured residents of President Bola Tinubu’s resolve to address security challenges in the FCT.

He said the two police divisions would be established immediately, adding that he had secured Tinubu’s approval to procure and distribute operational vehicles and communications gadgets to security agencies in the FCT.

“I am here on the directive of President Tinubu to meet and discuss with you the prevailing security challenges and find lasting solutions together,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“I was in Bwari Area Council on Wednesday and today I am here at Gwagwalada on the same issue. Next week I will visit another area council until we cover all the six area councils.

“Security is one of the priorities of the current government, so, be rest assured that you are not alone, and we will do all that we can to end security challenges in the territory.”

Wike also asked the council chairman to write to him on Monday, indicating the number and locations of all uncompleted buildings.

The minister assured that he would approve the demolition of the uncompleted buildings or alternatively transfer ownership of the buildings to the communities to complete and put to use.