Armed Robbers Attack Abuja, Clash with Police

Criminal groups involved in a wave of violent robberies in Gwagwalada, Apo, Waru, Jahi, Wuse, and surrounding areas of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) engaged police in a significant gun fight.

Reports indicate that the gang had previously struck locations including Asokoro, Mabuchi, and Utako.

The Commissioner of Police for the FCT, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, provided confirmation of these events through an official statement, noting that a total of 13 suspects were apprehended after a gunfire exchange at a hideout located in Durumi, a suburb of Abuja.

CP Dantawaye explained that these arrests were made following credible intelligence, which was instrumental in locating the suspects at their hideout. Upon police arrival, the gang opened fire on the officers.

In response, the police operatives retaliated and gained the upper hand, resulting in the capture of eight individuals tied to the syndicate.

The operation was under the command of ACP Victor O. Godfrey, who leads the Command’s Scorpion Squad. The squad had undertaken prior intelligence-led operations in Apo-Waru and Durumi, acting on reports from robbery victims in Asokoro, Mabuchi, and Utako.

Following the initial operation, subsequent actions led the police team to a second hideout in Apo-Waru where another confrontation occurred, leading to the detention of five more suspects.

CP Dantawaye noted that the suspects were thoroughly identified through CCTV footage from a previous robbery, which served as crucial evidence in their arrest.

Initial investigations into the criminal group indicate that they have been implicated in numerous violent robberies throughout various regions of the FCT.

"Prominent incidents attributed to this gang include a robbery at a hotel (name not disclosed) in Gwagwalada, where victims lost cash, foreign currency, and mobile phones, and where a vigilante operative was disarmed," the statement revealed.

"Additional incidents include a robbery at a Travel Lodge in Wuse Zone 6, where a police officer sustained serious injuries and a vehicle was stolen, alongside a robbery in an apartment in Jahi, which impacted residents and security personnel assigned to the Executive Governor of Kebbi State."

The apprehended suspects have been identified as Yahaya Hassan, Umar Shuaibu, Adamu Ibrahim, Abubakar Sani, Abdullazeez Usain, Aliyu Aminu, Aliyu Adam, Ibrahim Usman, Suleiman Yawata, Mohammed Ali, Sani Hamza, and Hassan Abba.

Confiscated items from the suspects include a grey Toyota Corolla (2015) with registration number ABC 200 GP, one AK-47 rifle, one locally fabricated rifle, one Jericho 941 pistol, 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, seven rounds of 9mm live ammunition, various iPhones, one hundred US dollars in one-dollar bills, and assorted charms.

According to the commissioner, investigations are still ongoing, and the suspects will face charges in court once the process is complete.

He emphasized the commitment of the police command to safeguarding lives and property, urging residents to stay alert and report any suspicious activities through their emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08061581938.