Deadly Robbery Shootouts Rock Abuja: 13 Suspects Arrested

Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have arrested 13 suspected members of a robbery syndicate following two violent gun battles across Abuja.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, confirmed that operatives engaged the group after tracing them to a hideout in Durumi, following intelligence gathered from a string of robberies in Gwagwalada, Apo, Waru, Jahi, Wuse, and other parts of the city. Officers said the suspects opened fire when confronted, prompting a return of gunfire that led to the arrest of eight gang members. The operation was led by ACP Victor O. Godfrey of the command’s Scorpion Squad.

A second hideout in the Apo-Waru area was later located, where another exchange of gunfire resulted in the arrest of five additional suspects. CCTV footage from previous robberies helped police identify the gang members.

The syndicate has been linked to a hotel robbery in Gwagwalada, where victims were stripped of cash, foreign currency, and mobile phones, and a vigilante operative was disarmed. Police also tied them to a travel lodge robbery in Wuse Zone 6, during which a police officer sustained serious injuries and a vehicle was stolen. Another incident at a residential apartment in Jahi affected residents, including security aides attached to the Executive Governor of Kebbi State.

The arrested suspects were 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. Items recovered include a grey 2015 Toyota Corolla with registration number ABC 200 GP, an AK-47 rifle, a locally made rifle, a Jericho 941 pistol, 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, seven rounds of 9mm live ammunition, several iPhones, 100 US dollars in one-dollar bills, and assorted charms.

CP Dantawaye said investigations are ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court once concluded. Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the FCT Police Command’s emergency lines.