The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command on Friday, February 13, confirmed the arrest of 13 armed robbers responsible for a wave of violent attacks across several areas in Abuja.
According to the commissioner of police, Miller G. Dantawaye, the arrests followed coordinated intelligence-led operations that culminated in gun battles between police and the robbers at hideouts in Durumi and Apo-Waru.
Police officers stormed their hideout in Durumi after receiving credible intelligence on the group’s location.
Upon arrival, the suspects opened fire, prompting an exchange of gunfire.
Officers attached to the command’s scorpion squad, led by Victor O. Godfrey, subdued the suspects and arrested eight individuals during the initial operation.
A follow-up raid in Apo-Waru led to another gun duel, during which five additional suspects were apprehended.
Investigations indicate that the gang operated across multiple parts of the FCT, including Gwagwalada, Apo, Waru, Jahi, and Wuse.
Previous attacks were also recorded in Asokoro, Mabuchi, and Utako.
Dantawaye said a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footage obtained from one of the crime scenes helped identify members of the syndicate and provided crucial evidence that guided the arrests.
Among the incidents linked to the suspects is a robbery at a hotel in Gwagwalada, where victims were dispossessed of cash, foreign currency, and mobile phones, while a vigilante operative was disarmed.
The syndicate was also behind an attack at a travel lodge in Wuse zone six, during which a police officer sustained serious injuries, and a vehicle was stolen.
Another reported incident occurred at a residential apartment in Jahi, affecting occupants, including security aides attached to the governor of Kebbi state, Mohammed Idris.
Those arrested were identified as Yahaya Hassan, Umar Shuaibu, Adamu Ibrahim, Abubakar Sani, Abdullazeez Usain, Aliyu Aminu, Aliyu Adam, Sadisu Samilu, Ibrahim Usman, Suleiman Yawata, Mohammed Ali, Sani Hamza, and Hassan Abba.
Items recovered during the operations include a grey Toyota Corolla (2015 model), an AK-47 rifle, a locally made rifle, a Jericho 941 pistol, assorted ammunition, several mobile phones, $100 in one-dollar bills, and charms believed to be used by the suspects.
Dantawaye said investigations are ongoing and assured residents that the suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of the probe.
He reaffirmed the FCT police command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urged residents to report suspicious activities through the emergency lines.
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