19/09/2025
CP AJAO SAYS FCT POLICE HAS RECORDED BREAKTHROUGH IN CRIME FIGHTING, PREVENTION
PRESS BRIEFING BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, FCT COMMAND,
CP AJAO S. ADEWALE, psc, mnips, ON 19TH SEPTEMBER, 2025
PROTOCOL
Distinguished members of the press,
I warmly welcome you to the FCT Police Command Headquarters. Today’s press briefing reflects our ongoing commitment to keep you, and by extension the general public, informed of the sustained efforts of the Nigeria Police Force in safeguarding lives and property across the Federal Capital Territory.
As you are aware, effective policing thrives on transparency, partnership, and timely information. In this spirit, we have invited you here to share some of our recent breakthroughs, particularly in the fight against kidnapping, armed robbery, vehicle theft, drug trafficking, and other related crimes.
What you will see and hear today are not just statistics or exhibits, but clear evidence of the resilience of the FCT Police Command, the synergy with other security agencies, and the cooperation of well-meaning residents of the FCT.
1. RESCUE OF KIDNAPPED VICTIMS / NEUTRALIZATION OF WANTED BANDITS / RECOVERY OF ARMS AND AMMUNITION
On 15th September 2025 at about 2115hrs, armed hoodlums attacked Kpobi and Kpaduma 3 Villages under Guzape. Two vigilantes sustained gunshot wounds during the attack. Sadly, one of them, Bako Pwaza (M), later died at the National Hospital, Abuja. The attackers attempted to kidnap two young ladies, but through a coordinated response team led by myself, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, the Rapid Response Squad Commander, and other officers, the victims were successfully rescued.
On 17th September 2025 at about 2232hrs, the same group of bandits struck again at Karu, where one Nafiu Idris (M), a staff of the FCTA, Department of Urban Affairs, was abducted. Acting swiftly, the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in synergy with the Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army, DSS operatives, Hunters, and Vigilantes, launched a clearance operation.
On 18th September 2025 at about 0730hrs, the bandits’ hideout was traced to Zinda Forest, behind the Nigerian Army Estate in Kurudu, bordering Nasarawa State. The gang engaged our operatives in a fierce gun battle, but our team overpowered them. Three (3) of the notorious criminals, including their wanted leader Abdullahi Umar a.k.a. “Duna,” and his lieutenants Buba Ahmadi a.k.a. “Killer” and Habi Sule a.k.a. “Mai-Kudi,” were neutralized.
Items Recovered:
• Two (2) AK-49 rifles with breach numbers 1983 NK 2202 and 1975 SW0924
• Two (2) magazines with seven (7) rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition
• Two (2) Itel handsets
• ATM cards (Access Bank and Wema Bank)
• Two (2) lighters
• Assorted charms and animal horns
• Cash sum of ₦10,000
Further investigation revealed that the neutralized gang leader “Duna” had been responsible for multiple kidnappings in Karu, Guzape, Kpobi, Army Estate Kurudu, and several locations in Nasarawa State.
The gang’s planned attempt to kidnap a resident of Federal Housing Estate, Karu, on 18th September 2025 at about 2200hrs, was successfully foiled due to the proactive raid and dislodgement of their camp.
Proactive anti-kidnapping and anti-banditry patrols are ongoing across border communities and identified hotspots.
2. ANTI-DRUG OPERATION
During the period under review, the Command’s Anti-Narcotics Unit recorded remarkable progress in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse. Eleven (11) notorious drug dealers were arrested in coordinated raids across identified drug black spots in the FCT.
A total of sixty-eight (68) bags of substances suspected to be cannabis and other illicit drugs were recovered. These arrests are critical in disrupting criminal supply chains, reducing the rate of drug-fueled crimes, and keeping harmful substances away from our communities.
3. ARREST OF ARMED ROBBERS (NOTORIOUS “ONE-CHANCE” SYNDICATE)
On 30th April 2025, one Kelvin Okorie (M) of Lugbe reported that he boarded a vehicle to the Central Area, only to be attacked at knife-point by the driver and an accomplice. He was dispossessed of ₦80,000 cash, two mobile phones, and other valuables. His ATM card was also seized, and a total of ₦2,700,000 was withdrawn from his account through POS operators.
Following an intensive investigation by detectives from the Anti-One-Chance Unit “B” and the Surveillance Team, three (3) notorious suspects were arrested:
• Ahmed Mohammed (M)
• Ashafa Ali (M)
• Mohammed Lamido Jabir (M)
They have confessed to the crime, and three (3) operational vehicles linked to their operations, along with several stolen items, were recovered.
4. RECOVERY OF FI****MS
Through coordinated anti-crime operations, the Command recovered:
• Seven (7) fi****ms, including a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle
• Five (5) magazines
• Twenty (20) rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition
These recoveries significantly weaken the firepower of criminals and strengthen public confidence in the capacity of the Police.
5. RECOVERY OF STOLEN VEHICLES
The Command also recovered eighteen (18) stolen vehicles, including two trucks and six truck tires. Nine (9) suspects have been arrested in connection with these cases and will be charged in court upon conclusion of investigations.
CONCLUSION
These arrests, rescues, and recoveries are clear evidence of our unyielding resolve to rid the Federal Capital Territory of criminal elements. We cannot and will not allow the reckless acts of a few to endanger the safety, dignity, and well-being of millions of residents and visitors in the FCT.
With the continued support of the public, we will keep building a safer Federal Capital Territory for all.
Thank you.