The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has recorded a major security breakthrough with the arrest of thirteen suspected members of a notorious armed robbery syndicate linked to multiple violent attacks across Abuja.
The Command disclosed that the arrests followed intelligence-driven operations conducted between January 10 and 12, 2026, by operatives of the Scorpion Squad led by ACP Victor O. Godfrey.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the operation was launched after several complaints from victims of armed robbery incidents in Asokoro, Mabuchi and Utako districts of the FCT.
Police operatives traced the suspects to a hideout in Durumi, where members of the gang reportedly opened fire on the team. The officers responded and successfully overpowered the suspects, leading to the arrest of eight members of the syndicate.
Further follow-up operations at another hideout in Apo-Waru resulted in an additional exchange of gunfire and the arrest of five more suspects, bringing the total number arrested to thirteen.
Investigators said the suspects were positively identified through CCTV footage obtained from one of their recent robbery operations, which provided crucial evidence aiding their capture.
Preliminary findings linked the gang to a series of violent robberies in Gwagwalada, Apo, Waru, Jahi, Wuse and other parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
Among the incidents attributed to the syndicate was an attack at Dan-Shade Hotel in Gwagwalada, where victims were dispossessed of cash, foreign currency and mobile phones, while a vigilante operative was disarmed.
The gang was also allegedly responsible for a robbery at Hi-Test Travel Lodge in Wuse Zone 6, during which a police officer sustained serious injuries and a vehicle was stolen, as well as an attack at Khole Home Apartment in Jahi involving residents and security aides attached to the Executive Governor of Kebbi State.
Items recovered from the suspects include a grey Toyota Corolla (2015) with registration number ABC 200 GP, one AK-47 rifle, a locally fabricated rifle, a Jericho 941 pistol, 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, seven rounds of 9mm live ammunition, assorted iPhones, 100 US dollars in one-dollar denominations and assorted charms.
The police said investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be charged to court upon completion of the process.
The FCT Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through its emergency lines.
