The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has recorded major operational successes between October and December 2025, arrested 160 suspects, rescued 32 victims and recovered arms, ammunition, vehicles, cash and other criminal exhibits.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, disclosed this today during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Abuja, where he presented the Command’s scorecard since assuming office in October.
CP Dantawaye noted that the strategic status of the FCT as Nigeria’s political and diplomatic centre attracts people from diverse backgrounds, including criminal elements seeking to exploit its economic and social significance.
He said a comprehensive security assessment across the six Area Councils identified key crime challenges such as kidnapping, armed robbery, “one-chance” robbery, car theft, drug-related offences and other violent crimes.
According to him, in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the Command adopted an intelligence-driven policing strategy anchored on crime analysis, hotspot mapping, strengthened community policing, inter-agency collaboration and continuous operational evaluation.
The Commissioner stated that a total of 300 cases were reported during the period under review, leading to the arrest of 160 suspects across various categories of crime.
He disclosed that seven kidnapping cases were recorded within the period, resulting in the arrest of 41 suspects and the disruption of several kidnapping gangs through intelligence-led and joint operations. Armed robbery incidents stood at 62 cases, with 38 suspects arrested and several syndicates dismantled, while 26 “one-chance” robbery cases led to the arrest of 12 suspects. Thirty-five car theft and vehicle snatching cases were also recorded, with 11 suspects arrested and 20 stolen vehicles recovered within and outside the FCT.
CP Dantawaye added that arrests were also made for homicide, cultism, drug-related offences, illegal possession of firearms and cyber-related fraud, bringing the total number of suspects arrested for other violent crimes to 120.
He further disclosed that the Command successfully rescued 24 kidnapped victims, including women and children, from criminal hideouts and forest locations within and around the FCT, while eight other victims of “one-chance” robbery and violent crimes were rescued through prompt police intervention.
On prosecution, the Commissioner said 96 suspects were charged to court during the period under review, with 60 convictions already secured, while other cases remained at various stages of trial. He noted that disciplinary cases involving police personnel were also addressed in line with extant regulations.
He said significant recoveries were made, including high-calibre firearms, locally fabricated weapons, ammunition of various calibres, vehicles linked to kidnapping, armed robbery and car theft, illicit drugs, counterfeit items, communication devices and other dangerous weapons. Cash recoveries from various criminal operations within the period amounted to ₦15.45 million, representing proceeds of kidnapping, armed robbery, fraud and other crimes.
CP Dantawaye revealed that nine armed suspects were neutralised during high-risk operations after engaging police operatives in gun duels while attempting to evade arrest or abduct victims.
He also announced with deep regret that six police officers paid the supreme price in the line of duty during the period under review, describing their sacrifice as a solemn reminder of the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to the protection of lives and property.
The Commissioner further assured residents that the Command would continue to intensify community policing, deepen intelligence-led operations, sustain targeted clearance operations, strengthen inter-agency collaboration and expand public enlightenment initiatives to address evolving security challenges in the FCT.
He expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, the Minister of the FCT, residents of the Federal Capital Territory, sister security agencies, the media, civil society organisations and community stakeholders for their continued support and cooperation.
Residents were encouraged to report emergencies through 08032003913, 08028940883, 07057337653, while complaints can be lodged via the Complaint Response Unit on 08107314192 and the Public Complaint Bureau on 09022222352.
