The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Muhammad Bello has lauded the contributions of the Nigerian Army in the fight against crime and criminality in the nation’s capital, Abuja.
In a statement signed by the Director Press office of the Minister, Mr Anthony Ogunleye, the Minister gave the commendation when he received the new Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Aminu Umar, in his office on Friday.
He charged the new Commander to build on the successes of his predecessor, Major General Mohammed Usman as he congratulated the outgoing Guards Brigade Commander on his elevation to the rank of Major General and wished him the best in his new military posting.
While congratulating Brig. Gen Umar on his posting as the Commander of the Brigade of Guards, the Minister pledged the support and cooperation of the FCT Administration to the Brigade.
Speaking earlier, Maj. Gen Usman who said it was customary for the outgoing Commander to present his successor to the Minister, expressed appreciation to the FCT Administration for all the support the Brigade has enjoyed from the administration.
“I’m also here to thank the FCT Minister, the Permanent Secretary and other members of his team for all the support we have received in the Guard Brigade.
“The cooperation, the vehicles, name it, I know the FCT Minister will continue to also improve on what he has done for us. We really appreciate you and may God see you through in all affairs of yours.”
Maj. Gen Usman also said the Brigade was a major stakeholder in the task of providing security in the nation’s capital and some adjoining states.
“As you all know, the Guards Brigade is a major stakeholder on the issue of security of Abuja, though we are primarily in charge of the protection of Mr. President, his immediate family members and the seat of government and of course the seat of government is in Abuja, we are also by extension to protect Abuja, parts of Niger State and complete Nasarawa State,“ he said.
Also speaking, Brig. Gen. Aminu Umar assured the Minister that he would maintain the high standards set by his predecessor and also put in his best to ensure the security and safety of the residents of the FCT.
He also called for the continuous support of the FCT Administration, saying, “I will continue to count on the support of the FCT Administration, especially the office of the Minister of the FCT and I want to pledge that I shall put in all I’ve learnt over the years in the service to ensure that we bring the safety we’ve known Abuja for and ensure that the good behaviour of my troops also rubs on the citizenry so that together, we can at the end of the day say we’ve done very well.”
