42 suspects in custody as FCT Police arrest kidnappers, traffic robbers, others in Abuja
FCT Police Arrest 42 Suspects in Major Anti-Crime Operations
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has apprehended at least 42 suspects linked to various criminal activities throughout the city. Commissioner of Police Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi announced the results of the operation during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters on Wednesday.
The police launched their efforts following a distress call on August 14 reporting the suspected kidnapping of three individuals from their home in Nyanya. Upon receiving the report, officers from the Violent Crime Response Unit Team 1 were dispatched to the location.
Investigations revealed that the victims were abducted and taken to the New Nyanya area of Nasarawa State, where they were held hostage by their captors. With assistance from a community member, police tracked and arrested two suspects, identified as Godwin Afekhide and Aaron Ogbu, who are believed to be directly involved in the kidnapping. All three victims were rescued unharmed and subsequently reunited with their families.
In a separate operation on August 16, approximately ten suspected traffic robbers were arrested. These individuals allegedly posed as hawkers on congested roads and at traffic stops to commit theft. Following multiple complaints from citizens, Commissioner Sanusi instructed all Divisional Police Officers in the city center to clear such individuals from the streets. Those arrested include Umar Salihu, Yusuf Isah, Aliyu Hamza, Abubakar Naziru, Muhammed Musa, Yagugu Mohammed, Suwidi Jibril, Kasimu Taraba, Abubakar Sani, and Aminu Umar.
Additionally, around 20 traffic violators were arrested for various offenses, including driving against traffic, commonly referred to as “one way.” These arrests were made following the commissioner’s directive to intensify enforcement against traffic violations. “So far, we have arrested 20 suspects for various traffic offenses, and they were all immediately charged to court,” Sanusi stated. He emphasized that operations to ensure safer roads within the FCT will continue.
Furthermore, police apprehended six members of a gang accused of breaking into homes at night, stealing valuables, and assaulting victims. The suspects have been identified as Sanusi Yusuf, Zakari Mohammed, Sani Adamu, Abdulwasi Yahuza, Abdullahi Abah, and Aliyu Mohammed. “All suspects are in custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” added the commissioner.
These recent arrests underscore the FCT Police Command’s ongoing commitment to improving safety and security in the region.
