The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has dismantled a notorious armed robbery syndicate operating across Abuja, arresting 13 suspects and recovering arms, ammunition and an operational vehicle in a coordinated crackdown.
The arrests followed intelligence-led operations conducted between January 10 and 12, 2026, by the Command’s Scorpion Squad under the leadership of ACP Victor O. Godfrey. Acting on complaints from victims of recent armed robberies in Asokoro, Mabuchi and Utako, operatives launched targeted raids in Apo-Waru and Durumi districts of the Federal Capital Territory.
Police said the suspects were first tracked to a hideout in Durumi, where they allegedly opened fire on the operatives. The team responded and subdued the group, arresting eight members. Subsequent follow-up operations led to a second hideout in Apo-Waru, where another exchange of gunfire resulted in the arrest of five additional suspects.
The Command disclosed that CCTV footage obtained from one of the gang’s recent operations provided critical evidence that aided the arrests. Preliminary investigations link the syndicate to a string of violent robberies in Gwagwalada, Apo, Waru, Jahi, Wuse and other parts of the FCT.
Among the incidents attributed to the gang are the robbery at Dan-Shade Hotel in Gwagwalada, where victims were dispossessed of cash, foreign currency and mobile phones and a vigilante operative was disarmed; the attack at Hi-Test Travel Lodge in Wuse Zone 6, during which a police officer sustained serious injuries and a vehicle was stolen; and a robbery at Khole Home Apartment in Jahi, affecting residents, including security aides attached to the Executive Governor of Kebbi State.
The suspects arrested are Yahuya Hassan (21); Umar Shaibu, alias Sarki (23); Adahu Ibrahim (25); Abubakar Sani (20); Abdulazeez Usani (20); Aliyu Aminu (21); Aliyu Adam (18); Sadisu Samilu (20); Ibrahim Usman, alias Yellow Mai Target (20); Suleiman Yawala (21); Mohammed Ali (28); Sani Hamza (25); and Hassan Abba (19).
Items recovered from the suspects include a grey Toyota Corolla (2015 model) with registration number ABC 200 GP, one AK-47 rifle, a locally fabricated rifle, a Jericho 941 pistol, 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, seven rounds of 9mm live ammunition, assorted iPhones, 100 US dollars in one-dollar denominations, and assorted charms.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, investigations are ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of the probe.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the FCT and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through its emergency lines.
