The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested 70 suspects during raids around Unity Fountain and other identified blackspots in Maitama, following a viral video alleging a robbery incident in the area.

The Command said the operation was ordered by the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, after the video surfaced online.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the Commissioner directed an immediate and comprehensive operation to identify and arrest anyone connected to the alleged robbery.

The statement said police operatives attached to the Maitama Division carried out coordinated raids across criminal flashpoints around Unity Fountain and its surroundings.

It explained that 70 suspects were arrested during the operation. 

After preliminary screening, 30 suspects were released, while 40 others were kept in custody for further investigation.

The Police said the investigation recorded a breakthrough after the victim identified two of the suspects as people he recognised from the incident.

The statement said, “In the course of the investigation, the victim was able to positively identify two (2) of the suspects as persons he recognised from the incident.”

It added that the identified suspects, alongside the other suspects still in custody, are being investigated while efforts continue to identify and arrest anyone else linked to the alleged offence.

The FCT Police Command urged residents to remain security-conscious and report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through its emergency numbers, assuring the public of its commitment to tackling crime across the territory.