Rising insecurity in Abuja “politicised”, Minister Wike claims

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike is claiming that the apparent rise in insecurity in the Nigerian capital is being “politicised.”

The former Rivers governor said critics were taking advantage of the situation to create panic rather than commend security agencies.

Abuja has seen an uptick in insecurity, with an increase in kidnappings, robbery and killings.

In the last two weeks, at least two families, including children, were kidnapped with their parents in Abuja, and two of those abducted were killed after delayed payment of ransom.

Police inspector general Kayode Egbetokun has a new special squad to address insecurity in Abuja.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, Mr Wike suggested reports of rampant insecurity were exaggerated.

“After the first kidnapping incident in Bwari, President Tinubu summoned the service chiefs and my humble self and within a few days you have seen what they have achieved,” he said, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

“But nobody is talking about that. Nobody has come to commend them. All you hear security has collapsed.”

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Mr Wike also condemned arguments that the demolition of shanties was responsible for insecurity in the capital.

“Nigerians forget easily and that is why we have always said let’s not play politics with the issue of security,” he said.

“Remember, some time ago, in the last administration, we were told that bandits came to Kuje prison and wreaked havoc. Nobody said there was no Minister of FCT. There was a minister.

“Nobody talks about FCT being the capital. Remember, there was an administration where terrorists came and burnt the United Nations building here. It was in FCT.

“Remember, there was an attack to burn the police headquarters. There was a minister.

“All over the world, we have heard where armed men went to school in cities and shot at will, killing 15 to 16 people in the United States, in Britain, as developed as they are.

“That does not mean that the security in those cities has collapsed.”