Police Arrest 300, Kill Kidnapping Suspects In Abuja
…Recover Arms, Ammunition, Illicit Substances
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested 300 suspects and dismantled multiple criminal hideouts in a series of raids between January 1st and February 28th, 2025.
The crackdown, which targeted high-risk areas and kidnappers’ dens, also led to the killing of seven kidnapping and nine armed robbery suspects.
The operation also saw the recovery of a cache of firearms, ammunition, and illicit substances.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, disclosed this during a press briefing on March 5, 2025, where he reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and keeping criminal elements at bay.
Disu noted that the police deployed specialised tactical teams, stormed notorious black spots in Dei-Dei, Karu, Gwarinpa, Jikwoyi, Karimo, Maitama, and other locations within the FCT.
High-risk areas, including abandoned buildings often used as hideouts, were raided, and suspects were apprehended.
He said the Anti-Kidnapping Unit executed clearance operations in major criminal enclaves along—FCT-Kaduna border (Gidan-Dogo village, Kweri Forest), FCT-Niger Forest (Gauraka Forest) and FCT-Nasarawa Forest (Sardauna Forest).
The CP stated that the operations have severely disrupted criminal activities in those corridors, which makes it harder for kidnappers to operate.
Disu highlighted that the police crackdown led to the arrest of 300 suspects, including 59 armed robbers, 10 kidnappers and their informants, and 16 cultists.
The operation also resulted in the following recoveries—Weapons and Ammunition:
- 18 AK-47 rifles and 23 AK-47 magazines
- 2 CZ Scorpion A1 rifles with magazines
- 9 English pistols and 7 pistol magazines
- 4 locally made shotguns and 7 locally made pistols
- Two (2) Dane guns and 9 pairs of scissors
- 116 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition and 102 rounds of .9mm live ammunition
- Various knives, daggers (15), axes (3), and cutlasses (4)
- 7 live cartridges and 1 expended cartridge shell
Illicit Substances and Other Items recovered are:
- 31 bottles of codeine syrup and large bags of dried leaves suspected to be marijuana
- Several locally made bongs and Large quantities of small glue tubes used as intoxicants
- Several cards of Rohypnol
- Cash sum of N35,050
Speaking further, CP Disu commended the officers and tactical teams for their dedication and tactical precision in executing the operations.
He assured residents that the FCT Police Command remains committed to making Abuja uninhabitable for criminals.
He also urged the public to actively support law enforcement by providing timely and credible intelligence, and stressed that suspects in custody will be thoroughly investigated and those found guilty will face swift prosecution.
“This operation is part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal networks and safeguard lives and properties in the FCT. There will be no safe haven for criminals,” he declared.
Police Arrest 300, Kill Kidnapping Suspects In Abuja is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
