In a sustained onslaught against crime in the nation’s capital and its environs, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested a notorious kidnapper and 78 other suspects during coordinated clearance operations targeting criminal hideouts and black spots across the territory, PRNigeria learnt.
The crackdown, which according to Zagazola Makama unfolded on Tuesday, June 18, 2025, is part of a wider strategic effort led by the FCT Commissioner of Police to dismantle kidnapping and criminal syndicates operating within and around Abuja.
Also, in a major breakthrough, operatives of the Scorpion Squad, under the command of ACP Victor O. Godfrey, apprehended a high-profile kidnapper identified as Ibrahim Abdullahi from Guruku, Nasarawa State. Acting on actionable intelligence provided by previously arrested suspects, the operatives stormed a criminal enclave in Guruku at about 6:00 p.m., where they were met with heavy gunfire from gang members.
“The team engaged the armed criminals in a fierce gun duel, eventually overpowering them,” a police source told Zagazola Makama.
“The gang members fled into the surrounding bush with suspected gunshot wounds, while Abdullahi, who sustained a gunshot injury to his lower left leg, was arrested at the scene.”
A long knife and local charms were recovered from the suspect, who reportedly confessed to being a key supplier of weapons for kidnapping operations in the FCT and neighboring states.
He is currently receiving medical treatment in custody, as efforts intensify to recover more arms and arrest fleeing accomplices.
In related development, police divisions across Mpape, Katampe, Kabusa, Gwagwalada, Apo, Kubwa, and Kurudu simultaneously carried out sweeping raids on uncompleted buildings and other suspected criminal hideouts within their jurisdictions.
“A total of seventy-eight suspects were arrested during the operations,” a statement from the FCT Police Command under Zone 7 Headquarters confirmed.
“Exhibits recovered include machetes, daggers, and quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.”
The arrested individuals are currently undergoing screening and interrogation, with those found culpable expected to face prosecution, while others may be released upon clearance.
The FCT Police Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining public safety and urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
