FCT Police Round Up 300 in Sweep of Crime Hideouts

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested about 300 people in a large-scale raid on known crime flashpoints, shanties and unfinished buildings across Abuja, recovering knives, a toy gun, cannabis and other illicit drugs.

The operation, carried out on Saturday, targeted locations identified as criminal hideouts as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt illegal activities and improve safety for residents. Suspects are being screened and profiled. Those linked to offences will be charged to court, while others cleared will be released.

Commissioner of Police Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi used the occasion of the suspects’ parade to issue a firm message: people with no legitimate business or means of livelihood in the capital should return to their states of origin or face repatriation. He said some of those arrested had been living illegally in uncompleted buildings, sometimes posing as scavengers, and were linked to phone and handbag snatching as well as breaking into parked vehicles.

“If you don’t have a place to stay in the FCT, go back to where you are coming from,” Sanusi said. “We will not tolerate people… committing crimes by snatching phones, breaking into people’s vehicles when parked. We won’t tolerate or accommodate people who have no business being in Abuja.” He stressed that uncompleted buildings are not meant to harbour criminals and vowed that raids on hideouts and scavenger points would continue as a daily exercise.

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The commissioner also warned young people against drug abuse, noting that it can impair judgment, fuel violence and increase security risks. He urged those struggling with substance use to seek counselling and rehabilitation. At the same time, Sanusi directed officers taking part in such operations to act professionally and within the law, warning that any found using raids for extortion, intimidation or harassment would face disciplinary action.

The Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and appealed to residents to report suspicious activities and criminal hideouts promptly. The emergency contact line is 08032003913.