The FCT Police Command has intensified its efforts to combat crime in Abuja, conducting high-impact raids which have resulted in the arrest of 300 suspects.
These intelligence-driven operations, carried out with precision with impressive results, were carried out from January 1 to February 28, 2025.
The command also said it has seized a substantial cache of arms, ammunition, and illicit substances, demonstrating their commitment to ridding the FCT of crime and securing public spaces and addressing various security concerns in Abuja.
Police Commissioner Tunji Disu disclosed this at a media briefing held at the FCT Command headquarters in Garki, Abuja, on Wednesday March 5, 2025, attended by Persecondnews crime correspondent.
Disu said specialized tactical teams were deployed to carry out targeted raids on known criminals’ hideouts and black spots across the FCT.
The operations, according to him, targeted high-risk areas, including Dei-Dei, Karu, Gwarinpa, Jikwoyi, Karimo, and Maitama, as well as anti-kidnapping clearance operations in villages and communities bordering the FCT.
Disu said: Recognizing the evolving tactics of criminal elements, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Teams also conducted targeted raids on isolated locations where criminals often lay in wait for unsuspecting victims.
“Additionally, abandoned buildings across the city, frequently used as hideouts and bases for planning illicit activities, have been identified and will be subject to continuous monitoring and raids.
“In a decisive move against banditry and kidnapping, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Command conducted clearance operations in known bandit routes and kidnappers’ hideouts at the following locations: FCT – Kaduna Border: Raid operations were conducted at Gidan-Dogo village and Kweri Forest.
FCT – Niger Forest: Clearance operations were executed at Gauraka Forest.
FCT – Nasarawa Forest: Raid operations were launched at Sardauna Forest.
“During these special operations, seven kidnappers were neutralized, while several others were arrested. These proactive measures have significantly disrupted the activities of criminal elements operating along these notorious corridors.
“The apprehend suspects are currently undergoing thorough profiling and screening. Those found culpable will be charged to court, ensuring that justice is served, while those cleared of wrongdoing will be duly released.”
Disu announced that the arrests comprised 59 armed robbers, 10 kidnappers and their informants, while 9 armed robbers and 7 kidnappers were neutralized; additionally, 16 cultists were taken into custody.
Persecondnews also quotes CP Disu as saying: “The operations yielded a significant haul of dangerous weapons and illicit substances, including 18 AK-47 rifles, 23 AK-47 magazines, 2 CZ scorpion A1 rifles, 9 English pistols, 7 pistol magazines, and 2 dane guns.
“The recovered items also included a large quantity of ammunition and weapons, comprising 116 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, 102 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, locally made pistols, shotguns, axes, cutlasses, and daggers.
“The police also seized various illicit items, including scissors, codeine syrup, suspected marijuana, glue tubes, locally made bongs, cash totaling N28,050, and several cards of Rohypnol.
“The FCT Police Command remains resolute in its mission to dismantle criminal networks and enhance public safety, executing a broader strategy to leave no hiding place for criminals within the FCT.
“The Commissioner of Police commended the officers and tactical teams involved for their professionalism, bravery, and dedication to duty, and appealed to the public to continue supporting the police by providing timely information and reporting suspicious activities.
“The Command assured the public that all suspects currently in custody will undergo thorough investigation and face due prosecution.”
Disu told newsmen that the suspects were not paraded because some of them were still being held in the custody of other law enforcement agencies.
Answering reporters’ question as to when the suspects would be taken to court, the police commissioner said they would be arraigned as soon as investigations were concluded.
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