The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has affirmed that crime in Abuja has drastically reduced, despite isolated incidents, including the armed robbery that claimed the life of Arise Television journalist Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, Wike stated, “The rate of crime in Abuja has drastically reduced. That does not mean you cannot see any crime being committed. All over the world, every day you wake up, crime is being committed here and there, but that does not mean the security agencies are not tackling it.”
Wike criticized claims suggesting that insecurity is worsening in the FCT, arguing that such perceptions are not supported by factual statistics. “So when you talk about the spike, what is your statistics? Just because a colleague of yours, something happened yesterday and that means there’s been a spike? You have no statistics,” he said.
Highlighting the improvements over the past year, Wike noted that in 2024, crime on Abuja highways had been a concern for residents and commercial drivers, often linked to inadequate transport infrastructure such as bus terminals. Nevertheless, he asserted that his administration’s interventions, along with the proactive measures of security agencies, have significantly curbed crime rates.
He urged journalists to acknowledge the efforts of security agencies rather than amplifying isolated incidents to paint a misleading picture of insecurity. Wike emphasized that while crimes still occur, they do not reflect the overall safety of the city, which remains a priority for the FCT government.
The minister further pointed out that Abuja continues to rank among the safest cities in Nigeria, citing ongoing improvements in security measures and law enforcement strategies across the capital. These include community policing, targeted operations, and intelligence-led interventions.
Wike concluded by stressing that while vigilance remains crucial, the positive trends in crime reduction demonstrate the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between the FCT administration and security agencies, reinforcing Abuja’s status as a secure environment for residents and visitors alike.
