How FCT Police Arrested 1,611 Suspects, Recovered 21 Stolen Vehicles in 1 Month – CP Adewale
A major security clampdown by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command in April has led to the arrest of 1,611 suspects involved in crimes ranging from car theft to drug trafficking and fraud.
The new FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao S. Adewale, disclosed the figures during a press briefing on Friday, stating that intelligence-led operations and targeted raids in criminal hotspots were intensified following a spike in car theft and drug-related crimes across the territory.
According to CP Adewale, the operations also led to the recovery of 21 stolen vehicles, large consignments of illicit drugs including codeine and Tramadol, and an assortment of stolen electronics and criminal tools. Items recovered include 10 tablets/iPads, 14 laptops, 19 power banks, 10 POS machines, 15 motorcycles, 109 ATM cards, 225 Exol tablets, 52 Diazepam tablets, one axe, three scissors, one crusher, and 149 mobile phones.
Among the arrests, 15 suspects were linked specifically to car theft. Six of the recovered vehicles have already been returned to verified owners, while the remaining 13 were displayed at the Command headquarters.
Read Also:
CP Adewale highlighted several notable cases, including the interception of a Toyota Camry, commonly referred to as “pencil light,” driven by one Hassan Bukar in a suspicious manner around the Central Area. Bukar attempted to evade arrest but was apprehended. Investigations revealed the car had been stolen from the premises of the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission. He later confessed to intending to sell it in Kaduna and was found with master keys used for vehicle theft.
In another case, a 2011 Toyota Camry given to a mechanic for repairs was reported missing by its owner, Daniel James. Police traced the vehicle to a buyer in Gwarinpa, arrested the intermediary, while the mechanic, Abdulazeez Auwal Salisu, is still at large.
The Command also recovered a government-issued Hilux van in Kaduna that was taken by an official driver, Abubakar Sadio, without authorization. Another unregistered Hilux was also found in his possession.
In yet another incident, five suspects were apprehended in the Life Camp area while attempting to sell a stolen black Mercedes Benz 4Matic E-400, which had been originally taken from its owner in Lekki, Lagos.
CP Adewale assured the public that the Command remains committed to rooting out criminal elements in the FCT and urged residents to continue supporting police efforts through timely and credible information.
By PRNigeria
