By Milcah Tanimu

Increased security measures have been implemented at National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) warehouses across the nation following the recent looting of food supplies in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, by suspected criminals.

In response to the incident, the police have heightened security at NEMA warehouses nationwide. Additionally, soldiers thwarted an attempted raid on a factory warehouse in Abuja’s Idu Industrial District, apprehending five attackers in the process.

The factory targeted by the attackers is involved in producing various agricultural commodities such as grains, rice, pulses, and edible oil. Similar incidents of warehouse and food truck attacks have been reported in several cities amidst economic hardship and rising living costs.

Last week, youths stole food items from trucks stuck in traffic along Kaduna Road in Niger State. They overwhelmed truck drivers and looted bags of rice before being dispersed by soldiers.

The Abuja incident occurred shortly after hoodlums attacked a warehouse belonging to the Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat of the FCT Administration in the Dei-Dei area. The situation was brought under control, confirmed by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh.

The Nigerian Army confirmed the thwarted attack on the private warehouse, with five suspects arrested. According to Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the suspects will undergo preliminary investigation before being handed over to the police.

Describing the Idu factory attack, a source revealed that the security personnel successfully repelled the assailants with timely reinforcement. The factory had been targeted previously during the COVID-19 period due to inadequate security.

Meanwhile, the Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat of the FCT Administration confirmed the looting of its warehouse in Dei-Dei, where not only food items but also roofing and windows were stolen.

In response to these events, NEMA emphasized the need for improved security at its facilities nationwide, while various state police commands deployed personnel to safeguard warehouses, food stores, and other infrastructure.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima urged Nigerians to protest economic hardship responsibly, emphasizing that government reforms are aimed at improving the country’s economic outlook, not inflicting hardship.