Despite the efforts of past ministers of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the nation’s capital city continues to grapple with the notorious “One Chance” cab syndicate, a group of gangs that pose as legitimate taxi drivers in order to deceive and harm unsuspecting commuters.
This organized crime disproportionately targets vulnerable individuals, particularly women, subjecting them to horrific experiences of robbery, rape, and brutality, resulting in lasting emotional trauma and potentially life-threatening consequences.
However, Mr. Nyesom Wike, the new Minister of the FCT, is taking bold steps to tackle the infamous “One Chance” cab or bus syndicates.
Wike has introduced a number of initiatives to stop the activities of the criminals.
To bolster security in the Federal Capital Territory, the minister has distributed 60 motorcycles to the six area councils, allocating 10 to each specifically for use by their vigilance groups, enhancing their ability to effectively patrol and protect their respective communities.
For instance, the police received 30 motorcycles, while the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) each received five, for a total of 40 motorcycles allocated to the security agencies.
Also to give a fillip to the new security architecture, the FCT Police Command carried out raids on notorious hotspots and black spots in Durumi on April 8, 2024, and Dei-Dei, Abuja.
These areas are known to be criminals’ dens, and they have successfully apprehended 85 suspects, seizing counterfeit currencies, drugs, and weapons.
Also, on May 23, 2024, the police command conducted another round of raids, busting over 300 suspects.
The minister formed a task force codenamed “Operation Sweep” that was saddled with the demolition of illegal settlements across the city.
These shanties, often found in areas like Ruga village, have become breeding grounds for miscreants, armed robbers, kidnappers, and drug dealers, making them a major concern for law enforcement.
Speaking on the activities of the task force, the minister said his administration will not be deterred by blackmail by civil society organizations and activists who called for a cessation of demolition exercises in the city.
He emphasized that despite potential blackmail, intimidation, or abuse, his team remains committed to carrying out their duties.
Their primary focus, he said, is safeguarding Abuja, protecting lives and property, and transforming the city into one of the world’s best, regardless of external distractions or criticisms.
Early this year, Wike launched an initiative to enhance commuters’ safety and convenience in Abuja by embarking on the construction of three modern bus terminals across the city.
These terminals, he said, will serve as hubs for President Bola Tinubu’s promised Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses for the residents.
Mabushi, Kugbo, and the Central Business District are the three strategic locations for the three bus terminals in Abuja.
These terminals will not only provide a safe and organized space for passengers to board buses and taxis but also offer modern facilities, including restaurants and waiting areas.
The project is part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to integrate and improve Abuja’s transportation system.
To tackle the issue of limited cabs in the FCT, the minister distributed 80 brand-new vehicles to youths on October 31, 2024, as part of the FCT Renewed Hope Youth Empowerment Programme.
This initiative aims to reduce transportation costs, create employment opportunities, and eventually phase out tricycle operations in certain areas of Abuja, as the beneficiaries will receive the vehicles free of charge with no repayment obligations.
The minister announced that the FCT Police Command will profile Abuja taxi drivers starting in January 2025 to further enhance the security of the residents.
Security agents have already profiled the drivers, and by January, they will profile all taxi drivers in Abuja for security purposes. Additionally, by January next year, all vehicles will operate from the bus terminals under construction in the FCT.
“We are bringing in more vehicles. All commercial drivers will be profiled by security agencies. It is time for Keke NAPEP and bike operators to prepare for their exit in locations covered by the vehicles. We must have a modern city.”
Efforts to reach SP Josephine Adeh, the FCT Police Command spokesperson, was unsuccessful in her attempt to get her thoughts on the FCT drivers’ clearance requirement, as she didn’t answer calls or respond to messages from Persecondnews.
The minister, in a bid to enhance security and make it easier to identify legitimate taxis, thereby reducing the risk of kidnapping and other crimes, announced that starting in January next year, unpainted taxis will be banned from operating in Abuja.
Painting a car in Abuja has hit an all-time high, with the combined cost of labour and materials exceeding a whopping N200,000, Persecondnews gathered.
This has raised concerns among the taxicab owners about affordability ahead of the January deadline.
The big question on everyone’s mind is whether the new minister’s initiatives will finally bring relief from the menace of life-threatening one-chance cab robberies plaguing Abuja just like Lagos.
Will these innovative measures be the game-changer required to bring back order and safety to the city?
One thing is certain: the city is enjoying transformative leadership that will revitalize its streets and restore security as well as the pride of the nation’s capital.
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