My Blog

Category: FCT Update

  • Senate urges police to recover 36 children trafficked out of FCT…calls on the social department of the FCT to ensure that the registration of orphanages and shelter be properly checked and verified

    Senate urges police to recover 36 children trafficked out of FCT…calls on the social department of the FCT to ensure that the registration of orphanages and shelter be properly checked and verified

    The Senate has ordered the Nigerian Police Force to immediately rescue 36 children who were abducted and believed to be trafficked out of the federal capital territory (FCT).

    This is as it requested that the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) establish systems to prevent child trafficking throughout the nation.

    It also urged the social department of the FCT to ensure that the registration of orphanages and shelter be properly checked and verified.

    The resolutions were sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT) during Thursday’s plenary.

    Moving her motion, Kingibe disclosed that four (4) out of the Forty (40) children abducted were recovered from a lady known as Success Nwako.

    “On February 18, 2024, a complaint alleging illicit activities bordering on stealing, abduction and trafficking of children perpetrated by one Madam Success Nwako of the Gwagwalada, Kwali, and Kuje area councils, was addressed to me in a letter forwarded by the missing children parents association (MCPA), an NGO based in Gwagwalada area council,” she said.

    “It was alleged that the ugly menace started in the wake of 2018 and continued unabated to date in spite of relentless efforts to stem the tide of this ugly scenario.

    “On the 4th of January, 2024, Madam Success was apprehended by the police with the help of a vigilante group along the Gwagwalada expressway with two abducted children.

    “Upon investigation by the police, it was unraveled that the abduction and stealing of children were carried out by a syndicate , nd this led to the arrest of three accomplices, while others are at large.”

    In his contribution, Senator Oyewumi Olalere (PDP, Osun West) said, “I just want us to commend the effort of the Nigerian Police, the vigilante and the good synergy that exist between them that led to the arrest of the woman in question.”

  • New Health Insurance for FCT Residents

    New Health Insurance for FCT Residents

    In a move aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility and reducing financial barriers, the Federal Government has introduced the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) to residents across the FCT’s six area councils.

    The scheme, designed to prioritize the healthcare needs of marginalized groups, offers subsidized enrollment and free registration for the poor and vulnerable.

    Dr. Mohammed Danfulani, Director of the FCT Health Insurance Scheme, announced the commencement of enrollment during a sensitization drive held in Gwagwalada for Abaji, Kuje, Kwali, and Gwagwalada area councils. Residents can enroll in the scheme for an annual fee of N13,500, with provisions in place for those unable to afford the cost.

    “The Federal Government’s commitment ensures that every individual, irrespective of financial status, gains access to essential healthcare services through the FHIS,” stated Dr. Danfulani, highlighting the nationwide implementation of similar initiatives.

    Addressing concerns regarding service delivery, Pharmacist Adedeji Fatai, Head of the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit at FHIS, assured the public of stringent quality control measures to uphold standards across healthcare facilities.

    Community leaders, including Estu Sule Dobi, the District Head of Dobi in Gwagwalada area council, praised the scheme’s introduction and advocated for comprehensive awareness campaigns to reach remote communities.

    Grace Johnson, a beneficiary of the scheme, commended the FCT leadership for the efficient enrollment process, signaling widespread acceptance among residents.

    Additionally, as part of its support measures, the Federal Health Insurance Scheme distributed delivery kits to expectant mothers in the FCT, underscoring its commitment to maternal and child healthcare.

    The launch of the FCT Health Insurance Scheme represents a significant stride towards achieving universal healthcare coverage and improving health outcomes for FCT residents. With its emphasis on inclusivity and quality assurance, the scheme is poised to address healthcare disparities and promote well-being across the region.

  • Wike doesn’t care if people live in FCT – Sen Kingibe

    Wike doesn’t care if people live in FCT – Sen Kingibe

    Senator Ireti Kingibe has criticized FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for his indifferent approach, expressing concern about Wike’s lack of concern for the residents of the nation’s capital. 

    At an event marking the first anniversary of the 2023 presidential election, Senator Ireti highlighted the worrisome nature of the minister’s attitude and stated that as Obidients, they would find a way to address the situation.

    She emphasized the need for swift planning and organization to tackle the critical state of insecurity in the nation.

    “We, as a nation right now, we are in trouble. Yes, you’ve elected me as senator of the FCT, which is the highest elected office in the FCT, but I have to work with a minister who doesn’t seem to realize that there are people living in the FCT.

    “But we, Obidients, will have to figure a way around it.

    “We need to start planning and organizing ourselves as quickly and possible. In fact, the condition (of the nation) is critical if we don’t do anything now. Insecurity is what is about to consume us.

    “You can’t go to the farm. You can’t do anything. We have to take charge,” she said.

  • Parts of Abuja to Experience 7-Hour Blackout

    Parts of Abuja to Experience 7-Hour Blackout

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is set to experience a seven-hour power outage on Saturday and Sunday.

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) said the disruption in electricity supply is due to a scheduled routine maintenance of the 132/33kV 2X100MVA power transformers at the Apo Transmission Substation.

    According to the TCN General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, affected areas include Garki, Asokoro, Lugbe, Airport Road, Gudu, Gaduwa, parts of Lokogoma, Apo, Kabusa, Guzape, and Nepa Junction.

    The maintenance activities are necessary to ensure the reliability and efficiency of power supply in these regions.

    The operations are planned to take place from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on both days, with the assurance that power supply will be restored each day by 4 pm.

    This planned power interruption is part of TCN’s ongoing efforts to maintain and upgrade its infrastructure to meet the increasing demand for electricity in the nation’s capital and its environs.

    While acknowledging the inconvenience this may cause to residents and businesses in the affected areas, TCN emphasizes the importance of these maintenance works in enhancing the stability and capacity of the power grid.

    Residents and businesses are advised to make necessary preparations to mitigate the impact of the power outage during the specified times.

  • FCT Police Arrest Notorious Kidnapper, Dahiru Adamu Whom Wike Placed N20 Million Bounty

    FCT Police Arrest Notorious Kidnapper, Dahiru Adamu Whom Wike Placed N20 Million Bounty

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Police has arrested a notorious kidnapper, Dahiru Adamu, who is part of the criminals terrorising Abuja and its environs.

    Adamu, whose real name is Saidu Abdulkadir, was arrested on Thursday by the FCT Police Command’s Anti-kidnapping unit when the operatives raided two kidnappers’ camps near the Nasarawa-Abuja border via Kuje area council at about 12am.

    Confirming the arrest, the FCT Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, in a statement on Friday, said on sighting the police, the criminals opened fire but were overpowered by the superior firepower of the Police.

    Adeh added that one Habu Yakubu and Isufu Abubakar, earlier abducted from Kwaita village via Pegi district of Kuje area council, were rescued unhurt during the process.

    The arrested suspect is the gang leader and one of the wanted suspects of the kidnapping syndicate paraded by the Police Command on 14th February, 2024.

    Adeh said: “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect masterminded the kidnap and killing of one Mr Sunday Yahaya Zakwai, the district head of Ketti village.

    “While effort is till ongoing to apprehend the other wanted suspects on the run, the Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh psc, mni, wishes to reassure criminals in FCT that there is no hiding place for them. He equally urges residents to report suspicious activities through the following emergency lines ; 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883; PCB: 09022222352.”

    The arrest comes a few hours after the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, announced a 20 million naira reward for the capture of the kidnapper.

  • N9 Million Ransom Recovered As Police Arrests Kidnappers In Abuja

    N9 Million Ransom Recovered As Police Arrests Kidnappers In Abuja

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command has apprehended seven notorious kidnappers in Abuja and recovered a ransom of N9 million.

    CP Benneth Igweh, the police commissioner, announced the arrest of the wanted kidnappers by operatives of the Utako police division in a coordinated operation at Tudun – Wada Lugbe and Pyakasa areas.

    He gave the names of the wanted kidnappers as Usman Muazu from Kwali, FCT, Aliyu Mohammed, from Pumpomare area of Borno state, Awwal Dahiru, who hails from Gwagwalada area council of the FCT, Rabi Sani, from Safana, Katsina state and Madina Abubakar, from Gulu, Lapai local government area of Niger state.

    Others are, Jonah Elimelech from Kauru, Kaduna state, Saminu Idris, from also from Kauru, Kaduna state and Mariji Iliya from Mangu, Plateau state.

    All have confessed to their crimes, providing valuable information for the arrest of other gang members. 

    The police commissioner also mentioned the recovery of weapons, including knives and cutlasses, along with bulletproof vests and charms.

    Additionally, 79 suspects were arrested in raids on various black spots in the FCT, part of the command’s efforts to combat crime in the area.

    “And we speak, the suspects who have been profiled are in custody undergoing interrogation at respective division, while those found wanting will be charge to court,” he said.

  • Police Kill ‘Wanted Notorious Kidnappers,’ Destroy Camps in Abuja

    Police Kill ‘Wanted Notorious Kidnappers,’ Destroy Camps in Abuja

    The fight against insecurity in the nation’s seat of power has again yielded results this time, as the nation’s police authorities say some wanted kidnappers have been neutralized and their camps destroyed in Abuja. 

    These recent feats, according to Force Spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi, took place on Friday.

    “In the early hours of February 9, 2024, around 2.40 am, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Bureau – Intelligence Response Team (FIB-IRT), acting on intelligence, successfully attacked, neutralized and eliminated many notorious kidnappers including the kidnapping kingpin identified as Musa Wada (Sabo) Magaji, in an operation conducted around Mpape, Abuja,” a Saturday evening statement from him read.

    “The team also destroyed the camps of the dreaded kidnappers who have been thorns in the flesh of Abuja residents in recent times.”

    Police operatives engaged the criminals in a 30-minute gun battle, the statement added, with several of the kidnappers “fatally injured, while one of the police operatives sustained bullet wounds”.

    He said the development comes just on the heels of the “neutralization of Abubakar Wada, an associate of Musa Wada, on February 8, 2024, who served as a lead to their hideout.

    “Musa Wada, aka Sabo, was the mastermind behind numerous kidnappings for ransom activities plaguing areas including Mpape and Bwari in the FCT; Kagarko in Kaduna; Masaka, and Nukun Village in Nasarawa State. His modus operandi involved identifying wealthy targets and mobilizing armed gangs to carry out abductions for ransom”.

    While noting that the recent operation was carried out by the FIB-IRT “through a surprise assault,” items recovered from the hideout include mobile phones, multiple SIM cards, charms, and hard drugs”.

    “Efforts are on to recover additional arms and ammunition and other equipment they use for their nefarious operations,” the police added, reiterating its commitment to bringing perpetrators of “heinous crimes to justice, against all odds”.

  • TCN Announces Blackout In Abuja

    TCN Announces Blackout In Abuja

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria 
    (TCN) has announced a six-hour power outage on Saturday for residents in parts of the Federal Capital Territory. 

    The outage is necessary for TCN’s maintenance crew to conduct a scheduled annual preventive maintenance on its 132kV line 1 at Gwagwalada and Apo Transmission Substations.

    The maintenance, scheduled from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, will result in a power interruption at the 132/33kV Kukwaba Transmission Substation. Affected areas include Lokogoma, Kabusa Garden, TradeMore, Pyakasa, Aleyita, Chika, Games Village, Stadium, Wuye, Utako, Life Camp, and Idu.

    Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s spokesperson, apologized for any inconvenience caused, assuring customers that power supply would be restored promptly after the maintenance work. 

    “Power supply will be restored as soon as the maintenance work is completed as indicated.

    “We regret any inconveniences this will cause electricity consumers in the affected areas,” the statement read.

    This announcement comes after the TCN Gwagwalada-Kukwaba-Apo 132KV Transmission Line 1 was attacked by suspected vandals in December, prompting the need for repairs.

  • Bandits Kidnap FHA Director In Abuja

    Bandits Kidnap FHA Director In Abuja

    Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted Aondo Ver, a director at the Federal Housing Authority in the Federal Capital Territory. 

    The attack occurred around 12:30 am on Thursday merely 200 meters from a military base in Pambara, Bwari Area Council, Abuja.

    The assailants, firing indiscriminately, created panic before fleeing through the bushes with their captive. 

    Residents, including serving and retired military personnel, confirmed the incident, expressing shock at the audacity of the bandits given the proximity of a military base.

    Sources revealed that the targeted area, Pambara Extension, housed both civilians and military personnel. 

    The abducted director’s home was located a short distance from the military base known as ‘camp.’ Witnesses reported that despite the military presence, the bandits executed the kidnapping successfully.

    Concerns are escalating over the rising insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory, with residents and authorities expressing growing apprehension. 

    Efforts to obtain comments from the Nigerian Army’s spokesperson, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, and the FCT Police Command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, were unsuccessful at the time of reporting. 

  • Forex Crisis Forces Bureau de Change Closure in Abuja

    Forex Crisis Forces Bureau de Change Closure in Abuja

    In response to the escalating foreign exchange crisis in Nigeria, Bureau de Change operators have taken a drastic step by announcing the indefinite closure of their offices in Abuja starting from February 1, 2024. 

    Abdullahi Dauran, the Chairman of BDC operators in Abuja, cited the scarcity of dollars as the primary reason behind this decision.

    Dauran emphasized that the increasing demand for dollars, fueled by online business transactions and cryptocurrency activities, has intensified the scarcity, leaving Bureau de Change operators with no choice but to shut down.

    Aminu Gwadabe, the president of the Association of Bureaux de Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), acknowledged the development but provided no clear response, stating, “I saw it online, too.”

    Recent data from FMDQ on Thursday revealed a marginal appreciation of the Naira to N1,455.59 per US dollar from N1,482.57 on Wednesday. 

    However, the Naira’s depreciation worsened earlier in the week, reaching N1,482.57 per US dollar at the official market, surpassing the N1,470 quoted at the parallel market.

    Despite efforts by the Central Bank of Nigeria, including injecting over $500 million to clear the forex backlog and other interventions, the Naira continues to struggle against the dollar. 

    In an attempt to address the ongoing decline, the CBN released fresh guidelines on Wednesday, targeting commercial banks and urging them to refrain from foreign currency speculation and hoarding.