Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has assured the Nigerian armed forces of the support of the FCT Administration in the fight against insecurity in the Territory.
“Whatever you think FCT can do for you, don’t hesitate to tell us. I will do it for you because you need support to succeed.
“While we are sleeping in the night, you are moving about, just to protect us. “So, we need to give you the necessary support.”
Wike spoke when the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher G. Musa visited him today, March 22.
The Minister sympathized with the CDS over the tragic death of some soldiers in Delta state, and pledged the support of the FCTA to help alleviate the sufferings of families of the deceased, describing the killing of the soldiers as barbaric and unfortunate.
“First of all, let me condole the families and the Nigerian military over what happened in Delta State. It was the most barbaric act I’ve ever seen.
“I don’t think any right-thinking person will ever support such a heinous crime. Not that the people died, but the way they were killed is quite unfortunate.
“We, as FCT, will support the Nigerian military in whichever way we can to see what we can do to reduce the pains of the families of these individuals.
“And you are doing your best. People must appreciate. It is not easy for somebody to bring out his life and say I want to die for the country.
“So, every Nigerian should give you people the support. Nigerians’ prayers are required. I know how many soldiers you’ve lost in terms of fighting Boko Haram, bandits and other kinds of crime. So, you require support in all ramifications.”
Wike stressed the importance of synergy among organs of government, adding that the FCTA will continue to work with all security agencies in the FCT to achieve the security component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the territory.
The Minister said that the FCT Administration will set up a rapid response unit comprising a joint team from the various security agencies to respond to security challenges in the FCT.
He said that the rapid response team will also be equipped with advanced technology to improve their ability to fight crime in the nation’s capital.
“What we are trying to do is to build a centre, what we call FCT Rapid Response Team, which will be a joint team, including the military, the police, the DSS and the Civil Defence, where every form of technology will be provided.”
Earlier, the CDS had assured the minister of the support of the members of the armed forces, saying that the armed forces will continue to work with other security agencies in the FCT, especially the police, to protect lives and property.
He reminded all that the security agencies cannot do it alone but needed the support of the Administration and residents of the FCT.
“Ours is to provide standby force in case it overwhelms them, then we can move in and we want to have them ready. In doing that, we are building up a rapid response team that will involve ground troops and air, especially helicopters.
“We want to be able to have them on standby 24 hours.”
