The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested approximately 300 persons during raids on identified crime hotspots, shanties and uncompleted buildings across the nation’s capital.
The operation, conducted on Saturday, September 19, 2026, was part of efforts by the command to prevent crime, disrupt criminal activities and strengthen security across the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, the raids were carried out at several locations identified as potential criminal hideouts. The suspects were taken into custody for thorough screening and profiling.
The police said items recovered during the operation included knives, a toy gun, cannabis and other illicit drugs.
Adeh said the suspects would not automatically be treated as criminals, stressing that the ongoing screening would determine those who had cases to answer.
She said persons found to have committed offences would be charged before a court in accordance with the law, while those found to have no case to answer would be released after the screening process.
The operation forms part of the command’s broader intelligence-led policing strategy aimed at identifying and disrupting locations allegedly being used by criminals within the FCT.
The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, said the command would sustain raids and proactive policing operations, particularly in areas identified through intelligence as potential hideouts.
Sanusi also warned young people and other residents against the use and abuse of illicit drugs, noting that substance abuse could impair judgment and contribute to violent and criminal behaviour.
He urged people struggling with drug use to seek counselling and rehabilitation support rather than allowing substance abuse to expose them and their communities to further security risks.
The Commissioner also addressed the conduct of police officers participating in the raids. He directed personnel to operate professionally and in accordance with the law.
Sanusi specifically warned officers against using arrests and raids as opportunities for extortion, intimidation, harassment or unlawful demands for money.
He said any officer found engaging in such misconduct would face appropriate disciplinary action.
The police command said the operation was intended not only to arrest suspected criminals but also to improve security in locations where criminal activities were believed to be taking place.
The arrests come amid continuing concerns about crimes such as robbery, housebreaking, vehicle theft and phone snatching in parts of Abuja. Reports on the operation also identified concerns about criminal activities around informal settlements, uncompleted structures and other locations that can provide concealment for offenders.
The command has appealed to residents to support security efforts by providing credible and timely information about suspicious activities and suspected criminal hideouts.
Police authorities said community cooperation remains important to intelligence-led policing because information from residents can help security agencies identify potential threats before they develop into serious crimes.
Meanwhile, the approximately 300 people arrested remain subject to screening and profiling. Their eventual fate will depend on the outcome of the investigations and whether individual suspects are found to have committed offences.
The FCT Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across the Federal Capital Territory, while urging residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
The operation represents one of the latest large-scale security exercises conducted in Abuja as authorities intensify efforts to tackle criminal activity and improve public safety across the capital.
