The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory Command, Miller Dantawaye, has cautioned residents of Abuja, particularly women, against accepting free rides from strangers, as part of efforts to curb criminal activities across the territory.
The warning was issued on Friday during a courtesy and advocacy visit to the FCT Police Command headquarters by a delegation of the Nigerian Bar Association, which included representatives of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, the NBA Women Forum and Unity Bar.
According to the FCT Police Command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, the police commissioner urged residents to remain security-conscious, especially when using commercial transportation. He advised members of the public to be mindful of the vehicles they board and to avoid accepting unsolicited lifts from unknown persons.
Dantawaye stressed that vigilance and personal safety awareness were essential in combating crimes such as “one-chance” robberies, which have continued to pose a threat to commuters in the capital. He emphasised that public cooperation, timely sharing of information and collective responsibility were critical to preventing and dismantling criminal networks operating within the FCT.
During the visit, the commissioner also commiserated with members of the legal community over the killing of a lawyer, Ms Princess Ochigbo. He assured the delegation that the command had launched extensive and discreet investigations into the incident, with a firm commitment to identifying and apprehending those responsible.
The body of the deceased was discovered along the Kubwa Expressway, with personal belongings recovered nearby. Preliminary findings indicated that she may have been a staff member of the FCT High Court. The police have confirmed that detectives are actively working on the case.
The warning comes amid heightened public concern over security in Abuja, following recent incidents, including the killing of a nurse at the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi. The incidents have sparked calls from professional groups and residents for stronger safety measures and increased vigilance across the city.
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