… Popular mall shuts operations
…FCTA donates 60 vehicles to security outfits
By Daniel Tyokua
The security alert issued by United States Embassies and United Kingdom, recently is raising concerns in the Nation’s Capital, Abuja as the situation had put security agents and the Federal Capital Territory Administration on a hot seat.
With the terror alarm, military and intelligence sources have expressed misgivings over the alerts issued by the United Kingdom and United States Embassies over suspected plots by terrorists to attack the FCT, and other targets particularly foreign diplomatic missions.
Recall that in an updated advise to its nationals following the US earlier warning to its nationals in the country, the US approved the evaluation of it citizens from Abuja, insisting that the terror attack threats is imminent.
On Thursday, the management of the popular Jabi Lake Mall in the Utako area of Abuja has shut down its operations amid the threats to security in the Territory.
In a post on the mall’s Instagram page @jabilakemallnigeria, the management revealed that although it wasn’t its intention to disrupt activities, they had taken the decision for the safety of shoppers and staff of the establishment.
They added that they were reviewing the security situation with relevant authorities and that the mall would be reopened as soon as possible.
The post read “To all our valued shoppers, Jabi Lake Mall will be closed today, Thursday, October 27, 2022. This decision has been taken in the overall interest of the safety of all staff and customers of the mall.
“Centre Management is committed to minimising any disruptions; however, the safety of our staff and shoppers remains our highest priority. Management is constantly reviewing the security situation in consultation with relevant security authorities and will inform you when the mall will be re-opened.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and hope to provide you with a quality shopping experience soon. Thank you.”
Bothered by the terror alert, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had procured and distributed 60 operational vehicles to security agencies.
In particular, the benefiting security agencies include: police, armed forces, NSCDC and other paramilitary organisations, as well as Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).
In addition to the vehicles, state of the art security equipment will be installed in the vehicles, which will be centrally controlled to ensure efficient performance.
The Minister of FCT, Malam Muhammad Bello said the intervention was to help improve the capacity of security agencies domiciled in the territory, to optimally discharge their duties.
Bello added that each of the vehicles is backed by a three year maintenance contract. He called on the beneficiaries to use them judiciously and also produce them for servicing, according to a schedule to be worked out.
Bello reiterated that the FCT remains safe, “our confidence in the ability of the security agencies to provide adequate security and it can’t be wavered.
“The FCT Administration will continue to support them in the discharge of their responsibilities”
