‘Figures exaggerated’ — police say people abducted in Abuja not up to 200

The federal capital territory (FCT) police command says reports on the abduction of over 200 residents in Abuja communities are “misleading”.

In a statement on Wednesday, Josephine Adeh, FCT police spokesperson, said there are “pockets of abduction” in the Bwari and Kuje communities, noting that the figures were exaggerated.

Four days ago, gunmen reportedly attacked the Bwari area council and kidnapped seven persons, while two police officers were shot during a gun battle.

Adeh said the figures were hiked to cause fear among residents, adding that the command is working to improve security in the affected communities.

“The FCT police command is aware of the news making rounds about the alleged kidnap of over two hundred persons between 23rd December 2023 to 4th January 2024, in Bwari and Kuje area councils,” the statement reads.

“Consequent to the above, the command wishes to categorically state that there are pockets of abduction of persons in the communities mentioned, but the figure is being escalated to create fear and apprehension in the populace.

“The commissioner of police, FCT in a continued effort to enhance the security of the residents and prevention of pockets of abduction, on the 3rd January 2024, visited communities in Bwari.

“During these visits, he engaged with community leaders, assessed security situation/ arrangements, and took proactive measures, by deploying additional police personnel and armoured police vehicle (APC) with effort in place to extend same to other communities in the FCT.

“Despite these efforts, concerns have been raised about perceived inactivity. However, revealing detailed security strategies emplaced in the above-mentioned communities publicly poses a risk to their effectiveness.”

She said Haruna Garba, commissioner of police in FCT, has called on citizens to stop spreading “misleading and mischievous posts” and support the agency in ensuring a safe environment.