Commissioner Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi confirmed the arrests, which also included suspects linked to kidnappings and a major burglary ring across the capital.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has recently announced a major crackdown, leading to the arrest of ten suspected traffic robbers and twenty motorists for allegedly driving against traffic, a dangerous offense popularly known as ‘one-way’.
Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, the FCT Commissioner of Police, shared these details on Wednesday, outlining the command’s most recent operational successes. This significant action follows numerous complaints from residents about criminals who prey on motorists and passengers during traffic congestion, sometimes even disguising themselves as hawkers to avoid detection.
Commissioner Sanusi emphasized the police's commitment to public safety, stating that he had instructed Divisional Police Officers, especially those within the city center, to clear suspicious individuals from major roads and traffic choke points, according to reporting by Daily Post Nigeria.
Targeting Traffic Robbers and Reckless Drivers in Abuja
Providing an update on the efforts to curb street crime, Commissioner Sanusi explicitly confirmed, "So far, we have arrested ten traffic robbery suspects." He meticulously listed the apprehended individuals, identifying them as Umar Salihu, Yusuf Isah, Aliyu Hamza, Abubakar Naziru, Muhammed Musa, Yagugu Mohammed, Suwidi Jibril, Kasimu Taraba, Abubakar Sani, and Aminu Umar.
These suspects are currently being held in police custody and are undergoing thorough investigation regarding their alleged involvement in traffic robberies across the FCT. The command is working to ensure justice for victims and disrupt criminal networks operating on the city's roads.
In a parallel effort to enforce traffic laws and enhance road safety, Sanusi also disclosed that twenty motorists, who were apprehended for various traffic offenses, particularly the dangerous act of driving against traffic, have been charged in court and are now facing legal proceedings.
Kidnapping Suspects Apprehended in Nyanya
The FCT Police Command also reported a notable success in resolving a kidnapping case. On August 14, three victims were abducted from their residence in the Nyanya area of the FCT and subsequently taken to New Nyanya in Nasarawa State, where their captors held them.
Swift action was taken by police operatives from the Violent Crime Response Unit, Team 1. With crucial information provided by a vigilant resident, they successfully tracked the suspects to their location, leading to a rapid resolution of the incident.
Two individuals, identified as Godwin Afekhide and Aaron Ogbu, were arrested in connection with the kidnapping. Commissioner Sanusi proudly stated, "All three victims were rescued unharmed and reunited with their family," highlighting the effective response of the police.
Smashing Armed Robbery and Burglary Rings
Further strengthening security in the capital, the Commissioner of Police disclosed additional arrests linked to armed robbery, burglary, and the alleged receiving of stolen property. Following extensive investigations into robbery incidents in Nyanya and Kubwa, Ismail Tasiu, 32, was apprehended at a hotel in Jabi.
Tasiu was arrested alongside Adamu Aliyu, 35, who was allegedly identified as a receiver of the stolen items. Police operations led to the recovery of significant evidence from the suspects, including five motorcycles, three knives, a vehicle number plate, and a face cap bearing the inscription Kaduna State Vigilante Service.
Sanusi also revealed breakthroughs in other serious crimes, stating, "We also arrested six suspects linked to burglary and armed robbery." He detailed the gang's criminal pattern: "Investigations revealed that the gang specialised in breaking into houses at night, stealing valuables and stabbing their victims." The Commissioner assured residents that the command remains dedicated to sustained operations against criminal elements throughout the FCT.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the FCT Commissioner of Police?
The FCT Commissioner of Police is Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, who recently provided comprehensive updates on the command's crime prevention and enforcement operations in Abuja.
What does 'one-way' driving mean in traffic offenses?
'One-way' driving refers to the illegal act of driving a vehicle against the designated flow of traffic, which is a serious traffic offense that results in offenders being charged in court by the FCT Police.
When and where did the recent kidnapping incident occur?
The kidnapping occurred on August 14, when three victims were taken from their residence in Nyanya, FCT, and held in New Nyanya, Nasarawa State, before being safely rescued by police.
What items were recovered from the arrested robbery suspects?
Police recovered five motorcycles, three knives, a vehicle number plate, and a face cap bearing the inscription Kaduna State Vigilante Service from suspects linked to armed robbery and receiving stolen property.