The Federal Capital Territory minister, Muhammad Bello, has urged the new Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 7 Headquarters Abuja, Kayode Egbetokun, to maintain momentum in the fight against crime in the city.
The Minister gave the charge when he received a delegation of senior police officers from the zone, led by the AIG, on a courtesy visit to the FCTA, on Wednesday.
Bello, who commended the efforts of the police, stated that progress had been made in fighting serious crime in the city, such as kidnapping, leading to the arrest of perpetrators, their supporters, and their financiers.
He added that the arrests had led to the rescue of many victims, and urged the AIG to ensure that the recorded progress continues.
The minister said, “I want to say that within the recent past, a lot of progress has been made by your officers and men, starting from your zone, the Command of the FCT, as well as the DPO levels, and I think this is very commendable.
“The issue of kidnapping had been of grave concern especially to our rural communities. I’m very happy that tremendous success has been recorded in the last few weeks, resulting in a lot of releases, rescue, and also arrest of those who are involved, including their financiers and their supporters. I pray that this continues”.
The minister described the relationship between the FCTA and the Zonal Command, as long and symbolic, even as he pledged the support of the Administration, and prayed for the success of the new AIG.
“Serving in the FCT has a lot of advantage. If you work very well, easily, it is seen. If you look at the history of all those who served as AIG Zone 7, most of them ended up being propelled to higher responsibilities.
“My prayer to you is that you will serve well here and may God make it easy for you and make you have a very successful tenure,” he added.
Speaking earlier, AIG Kayode Egbetokun, said the primary purpose of his visit was to express his appreciation to the FCT minister for his commitment to ensuring security in the FCT, and for the support granted to Zone 7 and FCT Police Command, especially for the operational vehicles given to the police in 2022.
He also reiterated the commitment of the Zonal Command in ensuring the security of the FCT.
The AIG said, “I thank you very much for the commitment that you have shown for the protection of lives and property in the FCT.
“I also want to assure you that those vehicles you gave us have been put into judicious use, and they have seriously impacted on operations within the FCT.
“I am also here to assure you that we are doing our best to support your efforts in protecting lives and properties in the FCT.”
Also present at the courtesy visit were the FCT Commissioner of Police, Abubakar Sadiq; the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Bashir Mai-Bornu; the Senior Special Adviser on security to the Minister, Salihu Mohammed; Director, Department of Security Services, FCTA, Mr Adamu Gwary; and other senior officials of the FCTA and the Nigeria Police Force.
