Police arrest 71 suspected criminals in FCT
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested 71 suspects in a sweeping operation aimed at tackling violent crimes, drug abuse, and other criminal activities across Abuja.
The coordinated raids, carried out on Septemsber 8, targeted black spots, uncompleted buildings, and criminal hidelouts across divisions including Gwagwalada, Kubwa, Nyanya, Apo, Karmo, Maitama, Mabushi, Dawaki, Galadima, Asokoro, Karu, Jikwoyi, Mpape, Lokogoma, and Utako.
Recovered items included quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs. Police sources said the suspects are undergoing screening and interrogation, with those found culpable to be charged in court.
The clampdown comes against the backdrop of a series of disturbing incidents that have heightened public concern over security in the nation’s capital.
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On September 9, operatives from Byazhin Division rescued Mary Moore, 40, who was allegedly abducted in Keffi, Nasarawa State, before being found wandering in the Byazhin axis. Moore told investigators her assailants sprayed a substance on her face, rendering her unconscious before dispossessing her of valuables. She has since been handed over to the FCT Administration for medical attention.
That same day, detectives in Gwagwalada launched an investigation into the discovery of a decomposing body of an unidentified mentally challenged man in the Ibwa 1 area. Following consultations with community leaders, the body was buried in line with local customs.
Also in Gwagwalada, police are probing a suspected case of culpable homicide involving 24-year-old Ebubechukwu Sunday Kelechi, who died in her fiancé’s home on September 9. Preliminary findings indicate she had been battling malaria, with medications found at the scene. No signs of violence were observed on her body, though her fiancé remains in custody as investigations continue.
In another incident, residents of Durumi 2 were thrown into shock after the body of a day-old abandoned baby was discovered behind the Assembly of God Church. The infant was confirmed dead at the local Primary Health Centre and later buried according to local traditions.
While the arrest of 71 suspects underscores the determination of the FCT Police Command to stem criminality, security experts and community leaders stress that stronger community-police collaboration is essential to addressing the root causes of violent crime, drug abuse, and social neglect in Abuja.
By PRNigeria
