By Adetokunbo FAKEYE
Nigeria – The Federal Capital Territory Police Command efforts to rid the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of crime and criminal elements through series of high-impact raids between January 1st to February 28th, 2025 has led to arrest of 300 suspects and recovery of a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and illicit substances.
The Command Commissioner, CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who disclosed this today, Wednesday, 5th March, 2025 stated that the command deployed specialized tactical teams to raid identified criminal hideouts and black spots across the FCT.
According to him, these operations covered high-risk areas, like:
• Dei-Dei
• Karu
• Gwarinpa
• Jikwoyi
• Karimo
• Maitama.
He said, “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:
1. FCT – Kaduna Border: Raid operations were conducted at Gidan-Dogo village and Kweri Forest.
2. FCT – Niger Forest: Clearance operations were executed at Gauraka Forest.
3. FCT – Nasarawa Forest: Raid operations were launched at Sardauna Forest.
“During these special operations, seven (7) kidnappers were neutralized, while several others were arrested. These proactive measures have significantly disrupted the activities of criminal elements operating along these notorious corridors.
“As a result of these sustained efforts, 300 suspects were apprehended and 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.
• Total number of armed robbers arrested: 59
• Total number of kidnappers and informants arrested: 10
• Total number of armed robbers neutralized: 9
• Total number of kidnappers neutralized: 7
• Total number of cultists arrested: 16
“The forgoing operations also led to the recovery of dangerous weapons and illicit substances, including:
1. Eighteen (18) AK-47 rifles
2. Twenty-three (23) AK-47 Magazines
3. Two (2) CZ scorpion A1 Rifles with Magazines
4. Nine (9) English pistols
5. Seven (7) Pistol Magazines
6. Two (2) Dane guns
7. One hundred and sixteen (116) rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition
8. One hundred and two (102) rounds of .9mm live ammunition
9. Seven (7) live cartridges and one (1) expended cartridge shell
10. Seven (7) locally made pistols
11. Four (4) locally made shotguns
12. Three (3) axes
13. Four (4) cutlasses
14. Fifteen (15) daggers
15. Nine (9) pairs of scissors
16. Thirty-one (31) bottles of codeine syrup
17. Several small packages containing dried leaves suspected to be marijuana
18. Large quantities of small glue tubes (inhaled as intoxicants)
19. Large bags containing dried leaves suspected to be marijuana
20. Several locally made bongs
21. Cash sum of twenty-eight thousand, fifty naira (N35,050)
22. Several cards of Rohypnol”.
The FCT Police Command, CP Disu said, remains resolute in its mission to dismantle criminal networks and enhance public safety.
“These operations are part of a broader strategy to ensure that criminals have no hiding place within the FCT. The Commissioner of Police commends the officers and tactical teams involved for their professionalism, bravery, and dedication to duty.
“Residents are urged to continue supporting the police by providing timely information and reporting suspicious activities. The Command assures the public that all suspects in custody will be thoroughly investigated and duly prosecuted”, he stated.
