The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has handed over motorcycles to security agencies to combat crime in hard-to-reach areas of the territory.

Mr Wike handed over the motorcycles to the six area councils of the FCT and security agencies in Abuja on Monday.

The minister explained that the six area councils would each receive 10 motorcycles, while the police would receive 30.

He added that the State Security Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps would get five each.

Mr Wike explained that the motorcycles would be used specifically in hard-to-reach areas in rural communities.

“Remember that the security agencies requested special motorcycles, particularly in rural areas; this is not enough, but we will continue to provide more.

“For vehicles, we believe that in the next two weeks, they will be ready to be given out to the security agencies,” he said.

Mr Wike explained that the gesture aligned with the promise to the residents of Abuja and the area councils that security would be prioritised in President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.

The minister cautioned the security agencies against misuse of the motorcycles, adding, “I don’t want to hear stories tomorrow that the motorcycles are nowhere to be found. I don’t want to hear such stories.”

He urged councils’ chairs to ensure that the motorcycles were given out to the vigilante groups, adding that the FCT Administration would provide the needed logistics to those that would use them.

Mr Wike threatened to take back the motorcycles if any were found in the city and said they should be used in rural areas to penetrate difficult terrain.

Responding on behalf of the council chairmen, Christopher Maikalangu, chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, thanked the minister for the support and promised to put the motorcycles to good use.

Also, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Bennet Igwe, assured the minister that the motorcycles would be distributed to police posts in rural areas.

On his part, the commandant general of the Vigilance Group of Nigeria, retired Navy Capt. Umar Bakori said the motorcycles would significantly enhance security patrols in rural communities.

(NAN)