The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has announced a significant breakthrough in its fight against violent crime following the arrest of thirteen members of a notorious armed robbery syndicate.
The gang, which has been linked to a string of high-profile robberies across the capital, was neutralised during a series of high-stakes operations conducted by the Command’s elite Scorpion Squad.
The crackdown, led by ACP Victor O. Godfrey, took place between January 10 and 12, 2026. Following a wave of complaints from victims in Asokoro, Mabuchi, and Utako, operatives utilised credible intelligence to track the criminals to their hideouts.
The first encounter in Durumi escalated into a violent confrontation when the gang opened fire on the police team. Command operatives responded decisively, overpowering the gunmen and taking eight suspects into custody.
A subsequent raid in the Apo-Waru area led to another exchange of gunfire, resulting in the arrest of five additional gang members. Investigators confirmed that the suspects were positively identified through CCTV footage recovered from a recent robbery site, providing a digital trail that proved instrumental in the bust.
The syndicate is allegedly responsible for a trail of violence spanning Gwagwalada, Apo, Waru, Jahi, and Wuse. Among their documented crimes is a raid on the Dan-Shade Hotel in Gwagwalada, where they dispossessed guests of foreign currency and disarmed a vigilante operative.
The gang is also linked to a brutal attack at the Hi-Test Travel Lodge in Wuse Zone 6, where a police officer sustained serious injuries, and a robbery at Khole Home Apartment in Jahi, which targeted residents, including security aides to the Kebbi State Governor.
The arrested suspects, ranging in age from 18 to 28, include Yahuya Hassan, Umar Shaibu (alias Sarki), Adahu Ibrahim, Abubakar Sani, Abdulazeez Usani, Aliyu Aminu, Aliyu Adam, Sadisu Samilu, Ibrahim Usman (alias Yellow Mai Target), Suleiman Yawala, Mohammed Ali, Sani Hamza, and Hassan Abba.
During the operations, police recovered an arsenal of weaponry and stolen property, including an AK-47 rifle, a Jericho 941 pistol, a locally fabricated rifle, and various calibres of live ammunition. Also seized were a grey 2015 Toyota Corolla, several iPhones, a stash of one-dollar bills, and assorted charms believed to be used by the gang for protection.
SP Josephine Adeh, the Police Public Relations Officer for the FCT Command, stated that investigations are ongoing and the suspects will face prosecution upon completion of the inquiry.
She reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to the safety of Abuja residents and encouraged the public to remain vigilant and utilise the police emergency lines to report suspicious movements.
