In a significant operation, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command has apprehended 43 criminal suspects involved in a range of offenses, including culpable homicide, kidnapping, armed robbery, stealing, ‘one chance,’ illegal possession of firearms, and cultism, as well as carjacking.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, FCT Commissioner of Police, Haruna Garba, disclosed that the arrests were made following proactive intelligence and diligent police work.
The suspects, paraded before journalists, encompassed individuals implicated in ‘one chance’ robberies, alleged kidnappers, an accused cultist, and one suspected kidnapper who was killed in the course of apprehension.
Garba highlighted the successful recovery of 30 pieces of ammunition, five firearms, and three stolen vehicles during the operation.
He emphasised the commitment of the police force to ensuring public safety and bringing criminals to justice.
Among the notable incidents leading to arrests, Garba detailed an operation on October 29, where two suspects, Obichukwu Elijah and Johnson Samuel, were apprehended attempting to sell a stolen Toyota Sienna.
Another case involved the swift response to a report by Faith James, who was robbed of N110,000 by purported passengers in a Peugeot vehicle; the police arrested Osai Donatus in connection with the crime.
The Commissioner further outlined a ‘one-chance’ syndicate, known as “Open and Close,” arrested on October 30, following routine patrol by operatives from the Asokoro Division.
The gang, consisting of Lekan Adebayo (gang leader), Abraham Umukoro, Joseph Asobei, Blessing Gabriel, and Joy Livinus, specialized in carefully selecting victims, robbing them, and leaving them at isolated locations.
In another case reported on November 27, five suspects were arrested by Asokoro Division after Bright Ezekiel and her friend were lured into a vehicle, leading to the unauthorized transfer of N482,000 and N387,500 from their accounts.
The police, aided by the Nigeria Army Intelligence Unit, apprehended Ogbonna Nwovu, Ndugo Ikechukwu, Amaechi Emezi, Felicia Udoh, and Adekunle Tayo, recovering their operational vehicle in the process.
The arrests also included members of a notorious robbery gang, as well as individuals involved in armed robbery along Yar’Adua Expressway and Airport Road.
Commissioner Garba assured the public that the police are actively pursuing leads to apprehend other gang members still at large.
This recent crackdown underscores the FCT Police Command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order, sending a strong message to criminals that their illicit activities will not go unchecked.
The arrested suspects will face legal consequences as investigations progress.
