Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have arrested 13 notorious armed robbers in Abuja following a series of intelligence-driven operations carried out between Tuesday and Thursday this week.
The arrests were confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer for the FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, and made available to the Nigerian Pilot.
According to the statement, the special unit known as the Scorpion Squad, led by ACP Victor O. Godfrey, launched coordinated operations in Apo-Waru and Durumi after receiving intelligence and complaints from residents in Asokoro, Mabushi, and Utako.
“The gang opened fire on the police team. The operatives responded decisively and overpowered the suspects, leading to the arrest of eight members of the syndicate. Further follow-up operations led the team to a second hideout in Apo-Waru where another exchange of gunfire occurred, resulting in the arrest of an additional five suspects,” the statement read.
The suspects are believed to be behind violent robberies at Dan-Shade Hotel, Gwagwalada, HI-Test Travel Lodge, Wuse Zone 6, and Khole Home Apartment, Jahi, incidents during which a police officer sustained serious injuries and a vehicle was stolen. Victims included security aides attached to the Executive Governor of Kebbi State.
Items recovered from the gang include one AK-47 rifle, one locally fabricated rifle, one Jericho 941 pistol, 7.62x39mm ammunition, seven rounds of 9mm live ammunition, assorted iPhones, $100 in cash, and assorted charms.
The arrested suspects were identified as Yahya Hassan (21), Umar Shaibu a.k.a. Sarki (23), Adahu Ibrahim (25), Abubakar Sani (20), Abdulazeez Usani (20), Aliyu Aminu (21), Aliyu Adam (18), Sadisu Samilu (20), Ibrahim Usman a.k.a. Yello Mai Target (20), Suleiman Yawala (21), Mohammed Ali (28), Sani Hamza (25), and Hassan Abba (19).
The FCT Police Command assured residents that the suspects will be prosecuted and reiterated its commitment to intensifying operations against criminal gangs threatening public safety in the capital.
By Godwin Ogar, Abuja
