The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says there is no banditry in Abuja, insisting that the city remains secure despite occasional criminal incidents. Wike spoke on Monday while inspecting ongoing projects in the Federal Capital Territory. He acknowledged that crimes such as kidnapping may occur in major cities but maintained that reports […]

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says there is no banditry in Abuja, insisting that the city remains secure despite occasional criminal incidents.

Wike spoke on Monday while inspecting ongoing projects in the Federal Capital Territory.

He acknowledged that crimes such as kidnapping may occur in major cities but maintained that reports suggesting widespread banditry in Abuja are exaggerated.

“I don’t believe there is banditry in Abuja,” the minister said.

According to him, no major city anywhere in the world is completely free of crime.

He said the important issue is how effectively security agencies respond to criminal activities and prevent further incidents.

Wike praised the efforts of security agencies working in the FCT and urged Nigerians to recognise their achievements in preventing crimes.

He noted that while the public often focuses on isolated incidents, many other crimes are prevented by security operatives without public attention.

The minister also referenced a recent kidnapping incident in Bwari, noting that the victims were successfully rescued by security forces.

However, his remarks come amid continued concerns among residents in some satellite communities of the FCT, including Kungaboku and Paze.

Some residents reportedly fled their homes following threats by suspected bandits to attack their communities.

The threats followed a series of kidnappings and attacks in the area, prompting security operations by troops of the 7 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army, supported by police and local vigilantes.

Security forces later rescued 19 kidnapped victims during one of the operations.

Community leaders have urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities as security operations continue in the affected areas.