The Ona of Abaji and Chairman FCT Council of Traditional rulers, Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa on Friday raised alarm of threats by Boko Haram to attack the Federal Capital Territory through the Abaji and neighbouring communities saying that rumours of the attack was a serious cause of concern to him.
However, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, DIG Shuaibu Gambo assured him that security will be beefed up while intelligence platforms will be deployed to Abaji and environs to activate early warning communication to nip any such act in the bud.
Speaking when DIG Gambo who is in charge of North Central Zone of the country visited Abaji as part of his tour of states in the zone, the traditional ruler said, “We have been hearing that Boko Haram are planning to attack the FCT and the plan is to infiltrate and carry out the attack from Abaji. We will be the first casualty. We need the police now more than ever”.
“Another issue I want to bring to your attention is that of recruitment in the police. We discover that recruitment is done by states but the FCT is not considered as a state. Even the big men in FCT will go bring their candidates from these same states. I want to appeal that FCT indigenes are given special consideration in subsequent recruitments”.
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He also spoke on the need for better welfare for policemen through the provision of office accommodation, patrol vehicles for the officers to work and timely promotions for those deserving of it.
The Ona added that policemen should be encouraged to further their education noting that those who entered the force with primary and secondary school certificates were desirous of improving themselves but the opportunity is not given.
Responding, DIG Gambo promised to relay the request to the IGP Ibrahim Idris adding that the IGP had discussed with the presidency, the need for more recruitment into the Nigerian Police to meet up with increasing security challenges.
“The plan is that for the next 6 year, the Police should be allowed to recruit 30, 000 personnel every year to meet the security challenges confronting the nation” he said.
Earlier, FCT Police Commissioner, Musa Kimo while noted that 18 firearms of different types and 717 rounds of live ammunition, 9 stolen vehicles were recovered from criminals in February while 57 armed robbery suspects were arrested.
Some of the challenges facing the command include inadequate and requisite manpower, lack of befitting office accommodation, lack of adequate armoury and cell at the FCT Command headquarters.
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