FCT Police Arrest 82 Suspects, Foil Multiple Kidnappings in Two-Month Crime Blitz

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in the fight against crime, arresting 82 suspects and foiling multiple kidnapping and robbery attempts between May 1 and June 30, 2025.

Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja, highlighting what he described as a “scorecard of sustained operations” carried out in alignment with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

According to him, the Command undertook detailed crime mapping, identified key hotspots, and executed strategic operations that led to 49 successfully handled cases within the two-month period.

Among the key successes were the foiling of five attempted kidnapping incidents in areas including Apo Waru, Byhazin, Karshi, Kawo-Bwari, and the Gidan-Dogo Forest in Kweri and Abaji. Three suspects were arrested while three others were neutralized in a shootout at Kawo village clinic in Bwari.

In all, 17 suspects were arrested in connection with seven reported kidnapping cases, with an additional three killed during police engagements. Armed robbery also featured prominently, with 17 suspects apprehended from five reported cases. Officers recovered several weapons, including pistols, a pump-action shotgun, and military camouflage.

The Command also cracked down on car theft and illegal vehicle dealing, arresting five suspects, including individuals linked to vehicle dismantling and resale. In total, ten vehicles and two motorcycles were recovered from various divisions, including Durumi, Kubwa, and the Anti-One Chance Squad.

A further breakdown of arrests includes:

● Nine suspects for six cases of theft

● Four suspects in a “one-chance” robbery case

● One suspect for illegal possession of a firearm

● Two suspects for fraud

● One arrest over attempted homicide

● Ten arrests linked to 12 rape cases, with four still under investigation

● Eight suspects in four child trafficking cases

● Two cases of domestic violence currently under handling

Rescue efforts also formed a major part of the Command’s activities. Three trafficked children were recovered, along with ten rape victims and eight abandoned babies—now in the care of the Social Welfare Centre.

In terms of seizures, police recovered an array of weapons, including three AK-47 rifles, a locally made pistol, a barretta, two LAR rifles, and 36 rounds of ammunition. Additional exhibits from robbery and theft cases included walkie-talkies, iron rods, power banks, ATM cards, and a generator, among others.

Cash amounting to ₦79,000 was also retrieved from a theft suspect.

Looking ahead, the FCT Police Command said it will intensify community engagement, intelligence-led operations, and public enlightenment to tackle emerging threats in the capital. Targeted clearance operations and enhanced patrol strategies are also on the cards.

“These achievements underscore the command’s commitment to proactive and intelligence-driven policing,” the Commissioner said, assuring residents that law enforcement will “keep taking the fight to the criminals, wherever they are.”

The Command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting law enforcement through timely and credible information.