By Yemi Akinsuyi
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has recorded significant operational successes in its fight against crime, arresting 160 suspects and securing 60 convictions between October and December 2025.
Briefing journalists at the FCT Police Command Headquarters, the Commissioner of Police, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, presented the Command’s security scorecard since assuming office in October 2025, highlighting notable achievements in crime prevention, arrests, rescues, recoveries, and prosecutions.
CP Dantawaye explained that the FCT’s strategic position as Nigeria’s political and diplomatic hub presents unique security challenges, attracting both law-abiding citizens and criminal elements.
Following a comprehensive review of the security situation across the six Area Councils, the Command identified key threats including kidnapping, armed robbery, “one-chance” robbery, car theft, drug-related offences, and other violent crimes.
In line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the Command adopted an intelligence-driven policing strategy anchored on crime analysis, hotspot mapping, strengthened community policing, enhanced visibility patrols, targeted clearance operations, and close collaboration with sister security agencies.
According to the Commissioner of Police, a total of 300 cases were reported during the period under review. Kidnapping incidents stood at seven cases, with 41 suspects arrested, while 62 armed robbery cases led to the arrest of 38 suspects.
He said the Command also recorded 26 cases of “one-chance” robbery with 12 arrests, and 35 cases of car theft and vehicle snatching, resulting in 11 arrests and the recovery of 20 stolen vehicles.
“Additional arrests were made in cases of homicide, cultism, cybercrime, illegal possession of firearms, and drug-related offences, bringing the total number of suspects apprehended across all crime categories to 160.
“On rescue operations, the Command successfully freed 24 kidnap victims, including women and children, from criminal hideouts and forest locations within and around the FCT. Eight other victims of “one-chance” robbery and violent crimes were also rescued through prompt police intervention”, he stated.
In the area of justice delivery, CP Dantawaye disclosed that 96 suspects were charged to court, with 60 convictions secured so far, while other cases remain at various stages of prosecution.
“Disciplinary cases involving police personnel were also handled in line with established regulations.
“The Command recorded substantial recoveries, including 21 AK-47 rifles, one K2 rifle, 10 shotguns, 68 locally made and fabricated firearms, 193 rounds of live ammunition, vehicles linked to criminal activities, illicit drugs, counterfeit stamps and documents, and other dangerous weapons. Cash recoveries from various criminal operations amounted to ₦15.45 million.”
The Commissioner further revealed that nine armed suspects were neutralised during high-risk operations after engaging police operatives in gun duels while attempting to escape or abduct victims.
He, however, noted with deep mourning that six police officers lost their lives in the line of duty during the period under review, describing their sacrifice as a solemn reminder of the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to national security.
Looking ahead, CP Dantawaye assured residents that the Command would continue to strengthen community policing, intensify intelligence-led operations, sustain targeted raids, deepen inter-agency collaboration, and expand public enlightenment initiatives to address emerging security threats in the FCT.
He expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, the Honourable Minister of the FCT, residents, sister security agencies, the media, the Police Community Relations Committee, civil society organisations, vigilante groups, and other stakeholders for their continued support.
Residents were urged to report emergencies through the FCT Police Command emergency lines: 08032003913, 08028940883, 07057337653, and the Complaint Response Unit on 08107314192 or the Public Complaint Bureau on 09022222352.
