As Nigeria commemorates its 65th Independence Anniversary, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has reassured citizens that Abuja remains one of the safest and most secure cities in the country.
Wike explained that the relative peace enjoyed in the nation’s capital is the result of continuous collaboration between government institutions, security agencies, and residents who have consistently demonstrated vigilance and commitment to protecting their communities. He stressed that Abuja’s stability stands out at a time when insecurity challenges persist in different parts of the nation.
According to him, the security architecture of the city has been strengthened by proactive measures such as regular patrols, intelligence gathering, improved surveillance, and increased public cooperation. He emphasised that these measures, coupled with citizens’ readiness to alert authorities to suspicious activities, have created an environment that makes criminal operations increasingly difficult.
Abuja as a model for national security
The FCT Minister stressed that Abuja’s record as a safe city should serve as a benchmark for other states grappling with growing security challenges. He noted that the capital’s relative peace is evidence of what is possible when both government and the public work hand in hand toward a common goal. This, he said, proves that collective responsibility is the most effective approach to defeating insecurity in Nigeria.
He urged other regions to emulate Abuja’s security model by prioritizing partnership between the public and law enforcement, highlighting that no government effort can succeed without the active involvement of the people it serves.
Community vigilance and civic responsibility
Wike particularly commended residents of the FCT for their vigilance, describing their role as indispensable in sustaining peace. He explained that community involvement has been the foundation of Abuja’s security system, as citizens who report strange movements or suspicious activities provide the intelligence needed to prevent crime before it escalates.
He added that fostering a culture of civic responsibility helps deter criminals, since communities that are united and proactive leave little room for unlawful elements to thrive. According to him, Abuja’s security gains can only be maintained if this shared accountability continues to be embraced by all stakeholders.
Call for sustained collaboration
The minister appealed to Nigerians to maintain the spirit of cooperation and unity, stressing that Abuja’s current state of safety is not an end but a process that requires constant reinforcement. He stated that insecurity is dynamic, and without consistent collaboration, even the safest areas can become vulnerable.
He further explained that the long-term sustainability of Abuja’s security depends on the willingness of residents to continue supporting security agencies while upholding values such as vigilance, discipline, and communal solidarity. These, he said, are not only essential for security but also symbolize the resilience and unity that Nigeria celebrates at 65 years of independence.
Wike concluded by expressing optimism that Abuja will remain a shining example of stability and safety for the rest of the country. He assured citizens that the government will not relent in its efforts to strengthen security infrastructure while calling on residents to keep up their active role in building a safe, peaceful, and progressive Federal Capital Territory.
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