The FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr Michael Zuokumor, has said that the security agencies are determined to reduce the crime rate in the territoty the barest minimum.
Zuokumor gave the assurance on Saturday when he led security operatives on a joint operation “Show of Force’’ round the city to build confidence in the citizenry.
“We have the ability, the capability and determination to fight crime.”
He assured residents of the FCT of adequate protection before, during and after the New Year festivities.
He charged the operatives to be alert to their responsibilities and warned criminal elements to steer clear of the territory.
Zuokumor, however, appealed to members of the public to assist the police by providing useful information to enable them to adequately tackle crime.
He said that adequate security had been provided at places of worship to enable those who wished to attend midnight church services to usher in the New Year to do so.
From the report, Police, military and paramilitary organisations, the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) and the Taxi Owners and Drivers Welfare Association (TODWA) were also part of the joint operation.
The ‘Show of Force’ convoy, made up of more than seven Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) and several trucks of security personnel, drove through Area I, Durumi District, AYA, Nyanya, Force Headquarters and Wuse.
However, before the Christmas, the FCT Police Command had deployed more than 13,000 personnel, including undercover detectives, to places of worship and other strategic places in the city to provide security.
The command had also restated its determination to enforce the ban on the use of fireworks and crackers in the territory in consideration of prevailing security challenges in the country.
It directed Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Area Commanders to enforce it and advised parents and guardians to prevail on their children and wards to abide by the ban, as violators would be arrested and prosecuted.