The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in its ongoing crackdown on crime, with the arrest of 14 suspects and the recovery of 17 stolen vehicles between March and mid-April 2026.
Addressing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, said the achievements were the result of intensified intelligence-led policing, surveillance, and targeted operations across key divisions in the territory.
He explained that the operations, carried out by police formations in Mabushi, Durumi, Maitama, and the Central Police Station, were aimed at tackling rising cases of vehicle theft, including cars snatched at gunpoint, vehicles stolen from parking locations, and those used in “one chance” robbery operations.
According to him, the coordinated efforts led to the arrest of multiple suspects linked to car theft syndicates and the recovery of vehicles of different brands, some of which have already been returned to their rightful owners after verification, while others remain in police custody pending identification.
In a related development, the Police Command foiled a “one chance” armed robbery operation on April 10, 2026. Police operatives on routine patrol reportedly intercepted a suspicious vehicle along a secluded road in Abuja.
The suspects, upon sighting the officers, opened fire in a bid to escape, prompting a response from the police. One suspect was arrested with injuries, while others fled into nearby bushes.
A search of the vehicle led to the rescue of two female victims who had been tied up. One of the victims alleged she was raped by a member of the gang during the ordeal. A follow-up operation led to the arrest of another suspect identified by the victims.
The Commissioner noted that investigations are ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court upon completion.
Sanusi also raised concerns over the spread of false security information, disclosing the recent arrest of a 24-year-old content creator in Bwari for allegedly fabricating and circulating a misleading video suggesting a bandit attack in the FCT.
He warned that the dissemination of unverified information capable of inciting panic remains a criminal offence and urged residents and content creators to verify security-related reports with appropriate authorities.
The Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the FCT and called on the public to support security agencies with credible information.