Authorities pinpoint high-crime areas, apprehend 560 individuals in sweeping operations across Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has pinpointed numerous crime-prone areas throughout the Federal Capital Territory, culminating in the arrest of 560 suspects during synchronized raids designed to combat crime in Abuja.

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Commissioner of Police Ahmed Sanusi revealed this information on Tuesday during a press conference at the FCT Police Command Headquarters, noting that the operations were fueled by intelligence gathering and community policing efforts.

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According to Sanusi, the raids targeted identified black spots across the territory as part of the command's revitalized campaign against criminal activities, which were carried out by various police divisions across the command.

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Sanusi stated that the operations resulted in the arrest of 560 suspects and the recovery of arms, ammunition, and illicit drugs, underscoring the command's commitment to tackling crime in the Federal Capital Territory.

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The items recovered during the raids included one locally fabricated pistol, one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, and three rounds of 9mm live ammunition, which were seized as part of the command's efforts to dismantle criminal networks.

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Sanusi emphasized that the operation was a key component of the command's ongoing efforts to ensure that criminal elements no longer find safe havens within the nation's capital, highlighting the command's firm stance against crime.

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The commissioner also highlighted other significant breakthroughs recorded by the command, including the arrest of a six-member kidnapping and "one chance" robbery syndicate linked to the abduction of a female victim in the Maitama area of Abuja.

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Police operatives recovered the full ransom of N8.25 million paid by the victim's family, as well as two operational vehicles, a cutlass, seven pairs of AirPods, jewellery suspected to have been stolen from previous victims, five mobile phones, and a laptop.

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Investigations revealed that the gang had operated along the Kubwa Expressway, Maitama Federal Housing Road, and other parts of the FCT since 2024, extorting approximately N12.8 million from at least five female victims.

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Four suspected kidnappers and alleged suppliers of ammunition and illicit drugs to bandits were arrested during clearance operations in Kwali, Abaji, and Kuje Area Councils, leading to the recovery of 42 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition concealed in a vehicle at Zuba Motor Park.

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The operation also yielded codeine syrup, suspected cannabis, tramadol, cash, and other exhibits, further solidifying the command's commitment to combating crime in the Federal Capital Territory.

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Sanusi reaffirmed the command's dedication to sustaining its offensive against crime, pledging that the FCT Police Command will not rest until these criminal elements are eradicated from the Federal Capital Territory.

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He urged residents to continue supporting the police with credible and timely information, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and the public in safeguarding the lives and property of residents across the FCT.