By Patrick Idowu

The Federal Fire Service (FFS) in the FCT has deployed over 3,000 firefighters to ensure the safety of lives and property during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

FCT Controller Muhammad Anas announced the readiness during the launch of “Yuletide Operation Swift Response to Emergencies” on Tuesday.

The FCT currently has 24 fire stations, with personnel and equipment fully prepared for rapid deployment. Anas urged station commanders to maintain full staff presence and ensure all fire trucks and equipment remain operational throughout the festive period.

By Omoniyi David

Decades after their establishment, most satellite towns in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) continue to lag behind Abuja’s master plan in terms of infrastructure and basic amenities.

Rapid population growth has outpaced the development of housing, roads, healthcare facilities, and schools, leaving many communities under-served.

Residents of Kaido-Tsoho in Gwagwalada Area Council recently decried the poor state of the only access road, saying it disrupts social and economic activities, especially during the rainy season.

Similar challenges affect access to medical care and schools across other satellite towns.

At the 2025 Town Planners Day, Town Planner Queen I. Phillips noted that while satellite towns were intended to complement the Federal Capital City, they still face inadequate infrastructure, poor service delivery, and weak governance.

Under FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, some improvements have been recorded. Projects in Gwagwalada, including the 9km Paikon Kore-Ibwa road, school renovations, and planned Aguma Palace Road works, represent investments exceeding N50 billion, supported by federal funding.

Experts urge the FCT Administration to accelerate interventions, including upgrading roads, healthcare, schools, rail connectivity, and utilities, while encouraging private sector participation to ensure balanced and inclusive development across satellite towns.

By Omoniyi David

Security agencies in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have been placed on red alert ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations, with Operation Sweep deployed to border communities to curb criminal activities.

Abuja Metro reports heightened patrols across Bwari and Gwagwalada Area Councils, where security personnel, including police, military, DSS, and NSCDC are conducting routine patrols and surveillance.

The initiative, established by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, covers four major sectors: Bwari, Gwagwalada, Wuse, and Garki.

The operation also involves monitoring motor parks and strategic locations to deter crime.

Mr Adamu Gwary, Director of the FCTA Security Services Department, said the measures aim to ensure residents’ safety during and beyond the festive period.

Additionally, the FCT and Kaduna State Police Commands have launched joint patrols along the Jere-Abuja-Kaduna highway.

FCT Commissioner of Police, Miller G. Dantawaye, described the exercise as a confidence-building effort to reassure commuters and strengthen border security.

Residents are urged to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities via emergency lines 08032003913 and 08061581938.