Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Police in Nigeria’s capital record major gains against crime, arresting 160 suspects linked to armed robbery, kidnapping and other offences, but lose six officers in the line of duty.
Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police Miller Dantawaye discloses the figures during a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, reviewing operations since assuming office in October.
Dantawaye says the command handles 300 reported criminal cases, leading to arrests across multiple crime categories.
Seven kidnapping cases result in the arrest of 41 suspects, while coordinated intelligence operations and forest searches lead to the rescue of 24 victims, including women and children.
Police record 62-armed robbery cases, arresting 38 suspects and dismantling several criminal syndicates. Officers also crack down on “one-chance” robbery operations, arresting 12 suspects in 26 cases.
Vehicle theft remains a concern, with 35 cases reported, 11 arrests made and 20 stolen vehicles recovered within and outside the FCT.
Other arrests involve homicide, cultism, drug trafficking, illegal firearms possession and cybercrime, bringing the total to 160 suspects.
Recovered exhibits include 21 AK-47 rifles, 10 shotguns, one K2 rifle, dozens of locally made firearms, ammunition, edged weapons, 86 bags of suspected cannabis, vandalised armoured cables and ₦15.5 million in cash.
Of the suspects charged to court, 60 convictions are secured, while prosecutions continue in remaining cases.
Nine armed suspects are killed during gunfights while resisting arrest or attempting to abduct victims.
Dantawaye pays tribute to six officers killed during operations, describing their deaths as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made to protect lives and property.
About the Author
Otamere Gladness 
Juliet Jacob