Tough times awaits criminal elements vandalising rail facilities in the FCT, as the Administration has engaged the services of security companies to secure rail tracks.
Secretary of the FCT Transportation Secretariat, Abdullahi Candido, particularly warned vandals to stay clear of the facilities of the Abuja Light Rail Mass Transit, saying private companies, with the support of armed security personnel, have been empowered to secure the entire stretch of the rail track.
Candido gave the warning while inspecting the level of preparedness of the newly engaged security companies ahead of deployment of their personnel to cover the entire length of the rail.
In his words, “From what we have seen, the manpower of the two security outfits can protect the rail facilities, but of course, we need the complement of the military -the armed personnel.
“Once we have these guys managing the tracks, with the personnel well-armed, we are convinced that the tracks and other facilities will be saved”.
He further explained that deployment of the security personnel would be at all points on the tracks, adding that the understanding with the security contractors was for them to “provide security services for all the stations and the tracks adjourning all the stations.”
The secretary therefore advised vandals to, “change their means of livelihood if their livelihood has to do with stealing and destroying public equipment.
“They will be in for it this time around. So, we advise them to find another job instead of this one they are doing”.
He also urged the security service providers to keep to the terms of their agreement with the FCTA, noting that “if they were not ready, they won’t even have accepted the job.
“I say this because the FCTA and Transportation Secretariat will not tolerate any form of incompetence and negligence from them. Our expectation is that they should sit up indeed and carry out the job as it is expected of them”.
Speaking on behalf of the companies, General Manager, Al-Ahli Security Services, John Abong and Operation Manager, Segad Security and Protection Company Ltd, Odeh Michael said they were fully prepared to take on any criminal head on and prevent any form of vandalism.
