The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the FCT Police have made significant strides with the arrest of 14 suspects linked to various criminal activities.
These operations, which also resulted in the recovery of firearms and stolen vehicles, underscore the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to maintain security and combat organized crime in the nation’s capital.
Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Benneth Igweh disclosed this during a briefing on Thursday in Abuja, highlighting significant achievements by the command in combating crime across the Federal Capital Territory.
According to him, on May 29, 2024, at around 3:00 pm, a strategic operation led by ACP Mohammed S. Baba from the State Intelligence Department resulted in the apprehension of six suspects: Ndubuisi Okeh, John Jock, Nafiu Tijani, Nasiru Sulaiman, John Njoku, and Suleiman Musa.
These individuals were engaged in the illicit sale of already registered SIM cards, enabling criminals to evade detection by using false identities. Over 1,100 SIM cards, three registration machines, and other devices were recovered from them. He said the suspects confessed to their crimes and will face prosecution.
Acting on intelligence from the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) on May 19, 2024, police operatives apprehended Salam Zacheus and Ademola Razzak in Kado-Kuchi.
These notorious duo, long sought by the command, confessed to multiple kidnappings and car thefts. Items recovered included an ash-colored Toyota Camry (Reg. No. KSF 412 HT), a network jammer, seven SIM cards, and a new number plate (LSR 961 JK). Legal proceedings against them are imminent.
He further stated that on June 7, 2024, police operatives intercepted and arrested Ikechukwu Didi, a gun runner from Enugu State, at Dutse Junction. Seven automatic pump action short guns and 1,000 rounds of live cartridges were seized from him. The suspect will be charged in court soon.
Responding to a distress call on May 24, 2024, police swiftly arrested Mubarak Kabiru in Kaduna State. Kabiru confessed to stealing Dr. Ade Akinfolu’s black Lexus SUV Jeep (Reg. No. AA 363 FU) in Utako and revealed his role as a trans-border receiver of stolen vehicles. The recovered vehicle and a network jammer were retrieved, with efforts ongoing to apprehend other gang members.
Chukwuemeka Udeke was apprehended in Lagos State on May 23, 2024, for stealing an ash-colored Toyota Camry (Reg. No. KWL 193 FX) belonging to Eclath Human Resources. The vehicle was recovered, and Udeke will face charges.
Abbass Abubakar was arrested on May 29, 2024, in Bwari for stealing a red Pontiac Vibe (Reg. No. RBC 908 BQ), while Mathew John was tracked to Nassarawa State on May 16, 2024, with a stolen Toyota Corolla (Reg. No. ABJ 327 BH). Yusuf Isa was apprehended on June 2, 2024, in possession of a stolen Toyota Hilux (Reg. No. ABC 708 FP) near UNIABUJA.
In total, 14 suspects were detained, and significant exhibits recovered included seven firearms, six vehicles, 1,100 registered SIM cards, three registration machines, two fingerprint machines, and a Gionee phone.
Igweh reiterated his commitment to partnering with FCT residents to eradicate crime, emphasizing the command’s relentless efforts to ensure safety and security throughout the territory.
He said the FCT Police Command encourages ongoing collaboration with the community to maintain law and order effectively.