Wike to protesting teachers: Rescue efforts ongoing, don’t politicise insecurity

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday assured protesting teachers and civil society groups in Abuja that authorities are intensifying efforts to secure the release of abducted teachers and students.

The protesters had gathered at the FCT Administration Secretariat, demanding urgent action over recent school kidnappings. Addressing them, Wike said the Federal Government remains fully committed to rescuing the victims and restoring public confidence in the country’s security system.

He noted that security agencies are actively working to ensure the safe return of those in captivity.

“We are all concerned about this situation. Government is doing everything possible to ensure those kidnapped are rescued,” he said, expressing confidence in the ability of security institutions to deliver results swiftly.

Wike, however, cautioned against politicising insecurity, stressing that the challenge is a national issue that requires collective responsibility rather than partisan interpretation.

According to him, similar incidents have occurred in other parts of the country without drawing the same level of protest in the capital, urging citizens to adopt a more unified and less divisive response.

“We must not turn security issues into political matters. Insecurity affects everyone, and we must approach it with a shared sense of purpose,” he added.

The minister further revealed that security agencies are operating within established frameworks and have made notable progress, even as they work under difficult conditions.

He emphasised that no responsible government would deliberately allow its citizens to be exposed to danger, assuring that efforts are ongoing to safeguard lives and property.

Calling for national unity, Wike urged Nigerians to see insecurity as a collective concern, noting that an attack in any part of the country ultimately affects all.

The protest comes amid heightened concerns over a resurgence of school abductions, with stakeholders calling for stronger security measures and the immediate rescue of victims.