Mr David Aigbefoh the Vice-Chairman Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Gwagwalada Branch Abuja, has called for increased security surveillance in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Aigbefoh made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), following intelligence reports recently, that suspected terrorists were planning to attack selected targets in the FCT,
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The barrister said that there was an urgent need for security agencies to step up surveillance, especially aerial surveillance with the use of drones, to secure the life and property of the citizenry.
According to him, there was a need for everyone to be always security conscious, to guard against the sudden wanton destruction of lives and property.
“A 2020 report by SB Morgen, observed that the FCT ranked 11th among the places where abductions have been recorded.
“There is evidence that some of the perpetrators responsible for Kaduna state’s crime have extended their operations to the Federal Capital.
“The report also stated that at least 18.84 million dollars was paid as ransoms to various kidnappers across the country in 2020.
“Although, the FCT arguably remains the safest part of Nigeria by virtue of being the seat of power.
“Nevertheless, there should be more deployment of police patrol teams, at strategic locations including keffi, Lokoja-Abuja Road, up to Gwagwalada, Tungan Maje, Zuba and beyond, to ensure efficient and effective surveillance of the FCT and other states in the country,” he said.
However, he urged the security agencies to close ranks and work in synergy among themselves to strengthen security operations in the FCT.
He added that the residents can also do well by reporting any suspicious person or persons or even activities in and around their neighbourhoods, to the nearest police station.
“More police Divisional Headquarters should be established, especially in vulnerable communities like Tungan Maje, in the FCT where insecurity has become worrisome lately.
“As a matter of fact, if it had not been for the swift intervention of the Commissioner of Police by the deployment of the Police Special Squad, the crime rate would have increased terribly.
“But then, security is everybody’s concern, so all hands should be on deck to ensure the protection of lives and property in all the communities in and around the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Abuja,” he said.