The Senate has called for more recruitment of police personnel to bolster security forces’ capacity to combat kidnappings and other criminal activities.
This followed the adoption of a motion titled Galadimawa kidnap incident response and need to urgently enhance security measures in FCT, Nigeria, sponsored by Sen. Ned Nwoko (PDP- Delta) at plenary on Wednesday.
Presenting the motion, Mr Nwoko said that on Nov. 23, the Senate resolved that security agencies should fortify security and address the surge of kidnappings in the FCT.
He said the resolution was prompted by the tragic abduction of 19 persons, including his senior legislative aide, Chris Agidy, in Galadimawa, Abuja.
He said upon receiving the news, he took immediate action and promptly contacted the FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, who swiftly activated the Anti-Kidnapping team to secure the release of those abducted.
“The FCT Police command operatives conducted a successful operation on Feb.24.
“Acting on reliable intelligence, they raided Sardauna Forest in Toto, Nasarawa State, and apprehended Samaila Wakili Fafa, also known as Habu Ibrahim, a notorious kidnap kingpin who has long eluded capture and has been on the command’s wanted list,” he said.
Mr Nwoko said the suspect admitted that his criminal syndicate carried out numerous kidnappings in FCT and its surrounding areas, including the abduction of Mr Agidy and Sunday Zakwai, the district head of Ketti Village.
Mr Nwoko expressed worry over the situation, saying that it was compounded by the revelation of Mr Agidy and others’ untimely demise in the hands of the abductors.
He said their remains had been recovered and deposited at Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital mortuary for medical assessment.
“The police force efforts who displayed unwavering dedication and determination in pursuing the kidnappers – the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
“The FCT Commissioner of Police who personally led the team into the forest in search of the bodies, and to the CSP the Officer in Charge of Anti-Kidnapping, and the Divisional Police Officer of Utako, along with other courageous police officers,” he said.
The deputy minority leader, Oyewunmi Olalere (PDP- Osun), urged his colleagues to ensure the implementation of the prayers in order to curb security challenges in the FCT and in the country in general.
“Apart from passing this motion, we should ensure that whatever is passed here is effected,” he said.
The Senate, in its resolutions, urged the Inspector-General of Police to increase security patrols and surveillance within Abuja and across the nation to prevent further kidnappings.
(NAN)