FCT Police Bust Abuja Bandits’ Retreat, Apprehend 311 Suspects

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command executed a raid on a notorious bandits’ relaxation camp named “Game House” situated in Gidan Dambe, Dei Dei, Abuja. Operatives apprehended a total of 311 suspects – 297 males and 14 females – in connection with criminal activities.

The raid, carried out under the newly launched operation Velvet, unfolded at approximately 11:30 pm on Sunday. Acting on credible intelligence, the police targeted the “Game House,” known as a hub for bandits, kidnappers, and armed robbers seeking respite after their illicit operations.

FCT Commissioner of Police, Bennett Igweh, revealed that the suspects were rounded up within a remarkable 20-minute timeframe. The seized items included firearms, ammunition, edged weapons, motorcycles, and numerous mobile phones.

During the subsequent parade of the suspects at the Intelligence Response Team unit (formerly Special Anti-Robbery Squad) in Guzape, Abuja, Igweh stated, “Our newly launched operation Velvet raided the marked black spot and arrested 297 males and 14 females within 20 minutes of storming the area.”

He emphasized the importance of community involvement, urging citizens to report suspicious activities. Igweh disclosed that among the confiscated items was an English Pistol with 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition recovered from an individual claiming to be a Department of State Services (DSS) personnel named Ibrahim Tukur.

The recovered exhibits also included motorcycles, narcotics, and valuables suspected to be stolen from innocent residents. Igweh noted that all the suspects were undergoing screening.

The FCT has faced a surge in kidnapping and bandit attacks, prompting intensified efforts by law enforcement. Recent operations have seen the neutralization of notorious criminals, providing a glimpse of the ongoing battle against crime in the region.