Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Federal Capital Territory Command, Miller Dantawaye, has issued a strong public warning to residents of Abuja, particularly women, against accepting free rides from strangers, describing the practice as a growing security risk that criminals increasingly exploit. The caution comes amid sustained efforts by law enforcement authorities to curb violent and non-violent crimes within the nation’s capital and surrounding satellite towns.
Dantawaye delivered the warning on Friday at the headquarters of the FCT Police Command in Abuja during a courtesy and advocacy visit by a delegation of the Nigerian Bar Association. The delegation included representatives of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, the NBA Women Forum, and the Unity Bar. The visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the police and legal professionals, particularly on issues relating to the protection of women, access to justice, and public safety.
According to a statement issued by the FCT Police Command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, the Commissioner stressed the need for heightened personal vigilance among residents, noting that criminals often disguise themselves as good Samaritans to lure unsuspecting victims. He emphasized that while the police are intensifying patrols and intelligence-led operations across the territory, individual caution remains a critical layer of security in preventing crime.
The Commissioner specifically advised residents, especially women, to be deliberate about the vehicles they board, whether commercial or private, and to avoid accepting unsolicited lifts from people they do not know or cannot properly identify. He explained that several reported incidents within the FCT and other urban centres across the country have involved victims who initially perceived such offers as harmless acts of kindness, only to later become targets of robbery, assault, abduction, or other crimes.
Dantawaye further urged residents to remain alert when using public transportation, advising them to take note of vehicle registration numbers, routes, and the behaviour of drivers and passengers. He noted that criminals often operate in pairs or groups, sometimes using unregistered or poorly marked vehicles, and may attempt to pressure potential victims into boarding by creating a false sense of urgency or friendliness.
Addressing members of the visiting legal delegation, the Commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Police Command to protecting lives and property and to ensuring that Abuja remains a safe environment for residents, workers, and visitors. He acknowledged the unique vulnerabilities faced by women and girls in urban settings and stressed that the police are working to improve response times, strengthen community policing structures, and enhance public awareness on safety measures.
The advocacy visit by the Nigerian Bar Association and its affiliated groups focused on issues of gender-based violence, women’s rights, and the role of law enforcement in ensuring accountability and justice. Representatives of the International Federation of Women Lawyers and the NBA Women Forum highlighted the importance of proactive policing and public education in preventing crimes that disproportionately affect women, including sexual assault, trafficking, and abduction.
During the interaction, discussions reportedly touched on the need for improved reporting mechanisms, victim support services, and sustained engagement between the police and civil society organizations. The legal practitioners emphasized that while law enforcement action is essential, preventive strategies, including public sensitization and behavioural change, are equally important in reducing crime.
Abuja, as Nigeria’s federal capital, has witnessed rapid population growth over the years, bringing with it increased pressure on infrastructure, transportation systems, and security agencies. While the city remains relatively more secure compared to some other parts of the country, residents have expressed concerns over incidents of robbery, “one-chance” crimes involving commercial vehicles, and occasional abductions, particularly in less densely policed areas and during late hours.
Police authorities have repeatedly warned against the activities of criminals who operate under the guise of commercial transport operators or private motorists offering free rides. These criminals often exploit economic hardship, traffic congestion, and the trust of commuters to carry out their operations. In response, the FCT Police Command has continued to collaborate with transport unions, community leaders, and other stakeholders to identify and dismantle such networks.
Dantawaye’s warning is part of a broader strategy to encourage shared responsibility for security between the police and the public. He called on residents to promptly report suspicious movements, abandoned vehicles, or unusual behaviour to the nearest police station or through established emergency channels. He also reassured the public that reports would be treated with confidentiality and urgency.
The Commissioner noted that the police command is investing in capacity building for officers, deploying technology to enhance surveillance, and strengthening intelligence gathering to stay ahead of criminal tactics. He added that cooperation with the judiciary and the legal community is vital to ensuring that suspects are properly investigated and prosecuted, thereby serving as a deterrent to others.
As Abuja continues to grow as a political, economic, and social hub, security experts stress that public awareness and vigilance remain indispensable. Dantawaye’s message underscores a simple but critical point: personal safety often begins with everyday choices. By avoiding unnecessary risks, such as accepting rides from strangers, residents can reduce their exposure to danger while the police work to create a safer city for all.
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