By Sarah NEGEDU
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command said it arrested 160 suspects across various categories of crime, and recovered over 79 sophisticated firearms and 1,700 rounds of live ammunition, among other criminal exhibits in the last quarter of 2025.
The feat which was recorded between October and December 2025 also include the arrest of
41 suspects linked to the seven kidnapping incidents reported during the period.
Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, who disclosed this during a press briefing on Friday, said the period also recorded major breakthroughs in armed robbery, car theft and “one-chance” robbery operations across the territory.
He said the Command adopted intelligence-driven policing, hotspot mapping, community engagements and joint operations to disrupt criminal networks across the Territory.
“During the time under review, FCT Police Command recorded notable operational successes across multiple crime fronts, particularly in anti-kidnapping operations, armed robbery suppression, arrest of violent offenders, rescue of victims, and recovery of arms, ammunition, vehicles, cash, and other criminal exhibits.
“A total of 300 cases were reported within the period under review, leading to the arrest of 160 suspects across various categories of crime.”
The Commissioner noted that Abuja’s strategic location continued to shape its security realities, with the capital city attracting both legitimate residents and criminal elements because of its national status and open borders.
According to him, kidnapping incidents recorded within the period stood at seven, leading to the arrest of 41 suspects and the disruption of several kidnap gangs operating within and around the FCT.
He said, “Within the period under review, kidnapping incidents recorded stood at 7 cases, with 41 suspects arrested. Several kidnapping gangs operating within and around the FCT were disrupted through intelligence-led operations, forest combing exercises, and joint operations with sister security agencies.”
On armed robbery incidents, Dantawaye reported 62 cases, leading to the arrest of 38 suspects, in addition to 26 one-chance robbery cases where 12 suspects were arrested through surveillance and operational raids.
“Armed robbery cases recorded during the time under review stood at 62, resulting in the arrest of 38 suspects. These operations led to the dismantling of several armed robbery syndicates and recovery of firearms and live ammunitions.”
The Commissioner said the Command recovered an assortment of weapons, including 21 AK-47 rifles, 10 shotguns, one K2 rifle, 37 locally made pistols, 31 locally fabricated firearms and 1,700 rounds of live ammunition.
Also recovered were 14 vehicles linked to kidnapping, armed robbery and vehicle snatching cases, alongside exhibits such as digital scales, knives, cutlasses, forged stamps, ATM cards, cannabis and ₦15.45 million linked to crime proceeds.
On prosecution results, he stated, “In line with the Command’s commitment to due process and effective justice delivery, 96 suspects were charged to court during the period under review. Of these, 60 convictions were secured, while other cases remain at various stages of prosecution.”
Dantawaye added that nine armed suspects were killed during firefights with operatives, while six police officers died in the line of duty.
“It is with deep respect that the Command records that 6 police officers paid the supreme price in the line of duty during the period under review,” he said.
Looking ahead, the Commissioner said the FCT Police Command would deepen intelligence-led policing strategies, strengthen collaboration with sister agencies and sustain targeted operations across the Territory.
He acknowledged the support of the Inspector-General of Police, the FCT Minister, security agencies and residents of the Territory.
