FCT CP Tightens Security, Warns Journalists Against Panic Reports

By Oluwakemi Kindnes

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, says the command under his leadership is intensifying security operations across key crime routes across communities, deploying aggressive patrols, stop-and-search teams and rapid-response units to curb rising criminal activities.

Speaking during a meeting with journalists on Thursday in Abuja, the CP said the command’s renewed strategy is already producing results, noting that no major violent crime has been recorded in almost three weeks.

“We have activated our operations field, and it is yielding results,” he said. “Our officers are on the crime routes day and night, and our stop-and-search teams are fully active.”

Rapid Response Now Under Six Minutes:
The CP cited a recent incident on one of the crime routes where police and the Anti-Crime Squad arrived in less than six minutes, preventing what could have been a fatal attack.

“Even the man involved acknowledged that our swift response saved him,” the CP said. “Some of these locations are deep inside, but we are reaching them faster than before.”

‘Verify Before You Publish’ — CP Tells Journalists:

The police chief cautioned bloggers and journalists against spreading unverified information that triggers fear.

“Some viral posts caused panic,” he said. “Before publishing, please verify with the PPRO. My phones and hers are always available. If you see a video or report, send it to us first so we can act immediately.”

He noted that crimes sometimes continue while misleading videos circulate online.

Community Urged to Report Suspicious Movements

He appealed to residents to use the police control numbers to report suspicious movements on crime routes instead of simply sharing content on social media.

“If you keep the information to yourself, you’re not helping,” he said. “Send it to us immediately so we can respond in real time.”

New Community Engagement Plans:

He announced plans to strengthen police–community relations, visit more neighbourhoods, and build joint community safety structures.

“We want our people to feel closer to the police. We are partners in safety.”