Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command have arrested approximately 300 suspects during raids on identified crime hotspots, shanties and uncompleted buildings across the Federal Capital Territory.
The operation, conducted on Saturday, September 19, 2026, was part of ongoing efforts by the command to prevent crime, disrupt criminal activities and strengthen security across the nation’s capital.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Josephine Adeh, disclosed this in a statement issued at the command’s headquarters in Abuja and shared on the command’s official X handle on Sunday.
Adeh said the operation targeted identified criminal hideouts in various locations across the FCT, adding that several items, including knives, a toy gun, cannabis and other illicit drugs, were recovered.
“The operation, carried out across various locations, led to the raid of several identified criminal hideouts, with approximately 300 persons taken into custody for screening. Items recovered during the operation include knives, a toy gun, cannabis and other illicit drugs,” the statement read.
The police said the arrested persons were undergoing screening and profiling to determine their individual involvement, if any, in criminal activities.
“The suspects are currently undergoing thorough screening and profiling. Those found to have committed offences will be appropriately charged to court in accordance with the law, while persons found to have no case to answer will be released after due screening,” the command stated.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ahmed Sanusi, said the command would sustain intelligence-led raids and proactive policing across the territory, particularly in areas identified as potential hideouts for criminals.
Sanusi also cautioned youths and other residents against the use and abuse of illicit drugs, warning that substance abuse could contribute to criminal and violent behaviour.
“The CP further cautions youths and other residents against the use and abuse of illicit drugs, stressing that substance abuse can impair judgment, fuel violent and criminal behaviour, and expose individuals and communities to serious security risks,” Adeh quoted the police commissioner as saying.
The commissioner urged persons struggling with drug use to seek professional assistance rather than allow substance abuse to expose them to criminal activities.
“He urges anyone struggling with drug use to seek appropriate counselling and rehabilitation support rather than allowing substance abuse to lead them into criminal activities,” the statement added.
Sanusi also issued a warning to police officers participating in raids and other enforcement operations against using the exercise to extort or harass residents.
He directed officers to maintain professionalism throughout the operations and warned that personnel found abusing their powers would face disciplinary action.
“The CP further cautions police officers involved in such operations to maintain professional conduct, stressing that raids and arrests must not be used as an avenue for extortion, intimidation, harassment or unlawful demands for money.”
He added that officers found engaging in such misconduct would be subjected to appropriate disciplinary measures.
The command urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible and timely information about suspicious activities and suspected criminal hideouts within their communities.
“The FCT Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and calls on residents to continue providing credible and timely information on suspicious activities and criminal hideouts within their communities,” the statement concluded.
The command advised residents requiring emergency police assistance or wishing to provide security-related information to contact the FCT Police Command through its emergency line, 08032003913.
