The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended nine individuals in Abuja on charges of attempted murder, robbery, and aggravated assault. The arrests were made in the Sabon-Lugbe area by a combined team of the NSCDC Special Tactical Squad, “Operation Adaka-su,” following a distress call about a violent attack on residents.
According to a statement released on Thursday by Samuel Idoko, the spokesperson for the NSCDC Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, the suspects had invaded the community, armed with knives, and robbed residents of valuables including mobile phones and electronic gadgets.
The statement also revealed that the suspects had earlier attempted to stab an NSCDC personnel who resides in the area. Although the officer successfully disarmed the attackers, they managed to steal his mobile phone.
The arrested suspects include eight males—Umar Badamasi (20), Ahmed Rufai (30), Jamilu Abdullahi (45), Jamilu Lawal (20), Mohammed Kabir (57), Abubakar Abdul (27), Aliyu Dodo (20), Muhammed Alkasim (26)—and one female, Faith Rufai (23). During interrogation, Ahmed Rufai confessed that their gang leader remains at large and disclosed that the stolen phone was sold for ₦15,000.
Items recovered from the suspects included Indian hemp, four knives, a motorcycle, a machete, and charms.
Dr. Olusola Odumosu, the FCT Commandant of the NSCDC, paraded the suspects at the Command Headquarters in Abuja and assured the public that efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining members of the gang. He urged residents to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious activities or individuals to security agencies.
“All residents of Abuja must be involved in the battle against crime and criminality in the FCT by ensuring prompt reporting of suspicious movements and persons to relevant security agencies,” Odumosu stated.
He further emphasized that public cooperation is essential in the fight against insecurity and reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting critical infrastructure in the FCT through increased surveillance and regular patrols.
Odumosu warned criminals in the FCT to either find legitimate means of livelihood or face the consequences, stating, “If you are a criminal, it is better to look for a legitimate means of income or risk going to jail. We will fish you out of your hideouts
