The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, organized a special send forth reception on Saturday, September 14, 2024, to honor two distinguished security officers for their exceptional service to the nation. The honorees were Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police Benneth Igweh, who recently completed his tenure as the Commissioner of Police for the FCT, and Assistant Director General (ADG) Ado Mu’azu, the former Director of the Department of State Security Services (DSS) FCT Command. Both officers were celebrated for their hard work, commitment, and unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria’s capital city.
The reception, held at the Minister’s official residence in Life Camp, Abuja, was a gesture of appreciation for the pivotal roles played by the two security leaders in safeguarding the FCT. Wike commended them for their professionalism, noting that their promotions were well-deserved and reflected their diligence in performing their duties. According to the Minister, both AIG Igweh and ADG Mu’azu exemplified the values of dedication and sacrifice, which were vital to maintaining peace and order in the FCT.
During his speech, Barrister Wike praised AIG Benneth Igweh for his remarkable contributions to the safety and protection of lives and property in Abuja. He highlighted Igweh’s efforts in tackling criminal activities in the city, ensuring that residents could live and work peacefully. The Minister noted that the reception was not just a celebration of Igweh’s promotion but also a recognition of his outstanding service while he was in charge of policing the nation’s capital.
“All of us can attest to the fact that AIG Igweh is a committed police officer who is determined to fight criminality and criminals. We thank God Almighty that God saved his life,” Wike stated. He lauded Igweh’s tireless work and pointed out the countless instances where the police under his command foiled criminal plots and brought offenders to justice.
Wike also expressed personal relief that despite Igweh’s promotion to the rank of AIG, which expanded his jurisdiction to include the FCT, Kaduna, and Niger States, he would still be based within Abuja. The Minister had been initially concerned that the FCT might lose Igweh’s services following his elevation but was comforted by the assurance that the experienced officer would continue overseeing the city’s security.
“I know the role you play, sleepless nights sometimes. You work relentlessly to keep FCT safe. I know as the Minister, the security reports I get every day, if the people of the FCT know what you have put in place, the efforts you make to combat crime, all the things you have been doing; Every day, I get the security reports, I get the criminals, look at the kind of guns they carry. You arrest them but you don’t go on television except when it is necessary to announce it,” Wike noted, underscoring Igweh’s behind-the-scenes dedication.
In addition to praising Igweh, the FCT Minister also extended his commendation to ADG Ado Mu’azu, the former Director of the DSS FCT Command. Wike described Mu’azu as a quiet yet deeply committed officer who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that security threats to the capital were neutralized. He expressed his gratitude to the leadership of the DSS for recognizing Mu’azu’s competence and promoting him to a national-level position.
“The Assistant Director General Mu’azu, very quiet but very committed. I thank the new DG of the State Security Services for seeing him worthy to be promoted for him to work at the national level,” the Minister said. Wike emphasized that Mu’azu’s promotion was a testament to his skill and effectiveness in managing security issues, and he wished him continued success in his future assignments.
Wike’s address was characterized by his emphasis on the importance of recognizing individuals for their service while they are still alive. He stressed that those who make sacrifices and demonstrate unwavering commitment to their duties should be celebrated and rewarded during their lifetime, rather than only after their passing.
“I’ve always said that people who are committed, people who make sacrifices … I don’t believe it’s only when you die that people will honour and reward you. While you are alive and you have worked, you should be remembered,” the Minister remarked. He reiterated that the reception was organized not just to celebrate the promotions of Igweh and Mu’azu, but also to publicly acknowledge their efforts to make Abuja a safer place.
Responding to the Minister’s commendation, AIG Benneth Igweh expressed his deep gratitude to Barrister Wike for the support and recognition he received during his time as the FCT Commissioner of Police. Igweh reiterated his commitment to fighting crime and ensuring the safety of Abuja’s residents. Now serving as the AIG in charge of Zone 7, which includes the FCT, Kaduna, and Niger States, Igweh vowed to intensify efforts to keep criminals at bay and warned that he would continue to pursue criminal elements in the region.
“I want to inform Abuja residents, I am still around. I am not moving anywhere. I’m around and now that I have more powers, I don’t know where you will run to. If you know where you will pack and go, you better start now because I am now an AIG, so, I have more power now to supervise what is happening in Abuja,” Igweh declared, sending a clear message to those involved in criminal activities.
ADG Ado Mu’azu also expressed his appreciation to the Minister for the recognition and support. He acknowledged the crucial role the DSS plays in maintaining national security and pledged to continue serving with dedication at the national level. Mu’azu thanked the Director General of the DSS for promoting him and providing him with the opportunity to contribute further to the country’s security architecture.
The send forth reception for AIG Benneth Igweh and ADG Ado Mu’azu was not just a celebration of their promotions but a heartfelt acknowledgment of their commitment to protecting the Federal Capital Territory. Both officers were praised for their hard work and dedication to duty, and their promotion to higher positions was seen as a testament to their professionalism and the critical roles they played in ensuring the safety of Abuja. As they take on new responsibilities, their legacy of service to the FCT remains a shining example of public service and dedication.