In a major sweep, operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command have arrested approximately 300 persons, following a raid on identified crime flashpoints, shanties and incomplete buildings across the Federal Capital Tertitiry (FCT).
According to the command, the raid was part of ongoing efforts to prevent crime, disrupt criminal activities, and enhance the safety and security of residents.
The operation took place on Saturday.
This was revealed in a statement issued at the Command’s headquarters in Abuja by the Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, and tweeted via the command’s X handle on Sunday.
Adeh noted that the suspects are currently undergoing “thorough screening and profiling,” adding that offenders will be charged to court, while those with no case to answer will be released.
“The operation, carried out across various locations, led to the raid of several identified criminal hideouts, with approximately 300 persons taken into custody for screening. Items recovered during the operation include knives, a toy gun, cannabis and other illicit drugs.
“The suspects are currently undergoing thorough screening and profiling. Those found to have committed offences will be appropriately charged to court in accordance with the law, while persons found to have no case to answer will be released after due screening,” the statement partly read.
The command’s Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, stressed the command’s commitment to sustain “intelligence-led raids and proactive policing operations across the Territory, particularly at locations identified as potential hideouts for criminals.”
He advised the youths and residents within the FCT to desist from drug abuse and urged those already suffering from it to seek appropriate counselling and rehabilitation support.
Sanusi said, “The CP further cautions youths and other residents against the use and abuse of illicit drugs, stressing that substance abuse can impair judgment, fuel violent and criminal behaviour, and expose individuals and communities to serious security risks.
“He urges anyone struggling with drug use to seek appropriate counselling and rehabilitation support rather than allowing substance abuse to lead them into criminal activities.”
The police boss further cautioned police officers involved in such operations to maintain professional conduct, adding that they shouldn’t use raids or arrests as an “avenue for extortion, intimidation, harassment or unlawful demands for money, stressing that any officer found engaging in such misconduct will face appropriate disciplinary action.
“The FCT Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and calls on residents to continue providing credible and timely information on suspicious activities and criminal hideouts within their communities.
“For emergencies or to provide useful security information, members of the public are encouraged to contact the FCT Police Command through the emergency line 08032003913,” the statement concluded.
