The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Miller Dantawaye, has cautioned residents particularly women against accepting free rides from strangers as part of renewed efforts to curb criminal activities in Abuja.
Dantawaye gave the warning during a courtesy and advocacy visit by a delegation of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which included representatives of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), the NBA Women Forum, and Unity Bar, to the FCT Police Command headquarters.
In a statement issued by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, the Commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant, especially when boarding commercial vehicles.
“The CP further called on residents of the FCT to remain security-conscious and vigilant, particularly when boarding commercial vehicles. He advised members of the public, especially ladies, to be cautious of the vehicles they board and to refrain from accepting free rides from strangers,” the statement read.
Dantawaye also emphasised the need for collective responsibility and timely information sharing in tackling criminal operations commonly referred to as “one-chance” robberies across the Territory.
“He stressed the importance of public cooperation, prompt reporting of suspicious activities, and community involvement in preventing and dismantling criminal networks in the FCT,” Adeh added.
The police boss used the occasion to commiserate with members of the legal community over the killing of their colleague, Ms Princess Ochigbo, assuring them that thorough investigations were ongoing.
“The Commissioner of Police commiserated with the delegation over the painful loss and assured them that the Command has commenced extensive and discreet investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with a firm commitment to ensuring that the perpetrators are identified, apprehended, and brought to justice,” the spokesperson said.
Ochigbo’s body was reportedly discovered along the Kubwa Expressway, while her handbag—containing her identity card and other personal belongings—was recovered a few metres away. Documents found on her suggested she may have been a staff member of the FCT High Court.
Adeh confirmed earlier that detectives had begun working on the case.
The development comes amid growing concerns over violent crimes in the FCT, following the recent killing of a nurse at the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, identified as Chinemerem Chuwumeziem.
Her death sparked outrage and condemnation from the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), FCT Council, which called for improved security for healthcare workers and residents.
