HURIWA backs security profiling of FCT cab drivers, urges measures against exploitation

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), a leading pro-democracy organisation, has welcomed the recent directive from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, mandating security profiling of commercial vehicles in Abuja starting January 2025.

HURIWA lauded the initiative as both timely and necessary for enhancing safety within the capital.

According to a statement from HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the organization highlighted the FCT minister’s announcement that all commercial buses in Abuja will undergo profiling by the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).

The announcement was made during the FCT Renewed Hope Youth Empowerment Programme in Abuja last Thursday, where the minister distributed new vehicles to participants to use as taxis.

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“They are not paying a dime. No. The government is saying this is our support to feed your family and reduce the cost of transportation in the city. Abuja should compete with other cities in the world,” Minister Wike emphasized.

Encouraging the beneficiaries to embrace their new roles, the minister pointed out that while many Nigerians may be reluctant to take on such jobs domestically, they often do so willingly abroad.

In response to rising concerns over kidnapping and “one-chance” robberies, Minister Wike stated that, effective January 2025, unprofiled commercial buses would not be permitted to operate in Abuja. “From January, we won’t allow that. We will take the vehicle number, name of the drivers, and the rest so everybody will have confidence that this is the vehicle I’m entering in case anything happens,” he stated.

While endorsing this new security measure, HURIWA cautioned the FCT authorities to prevent potential abuse by ensuring that neither the police nor the DSS exploit drivers during the profiling process.

HURIWA suggested establishing a computerized office dedicated to managing the security profiling, staffed by personnel from the Nigeria Police, DSS, Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, and Nigerian Immigration Services. This office would help centralize data securely and avoid imposing unnecessary fees that might lead to exploitation.

The group further recommended that the database of profiled commercial drivers be maintained by the FCT’s transportation and legal secretariat, allowing residents access to relevant information if needed for legal purposes. HURIWA also urged that profiling extend to drivers entering Abuja from other regions to bolster the safety of FCT residents. “The prosecution of one-chance robbers must be publicized to act as a deterrent,” the group added.

HURIWA noted that since 2015, there have been over 100 reported cases of one-chance robberies in Abuja, with victims suffering physical injuries and, in some instances, fatalities.

The organization stressed the importance of implementing a robust solution to address these crimes and prevent further harm to residents.