On Saturday 19 September, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command carried out a series of raids across crime‑prone shanties and unfinished buildings in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, arresting roughly 300 suspects.
The operation, aimed at identifying and disrupting criminal activities in locations suspected to serve as hideouts, was described by the command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, as part of a broader effort to “prevent crime, disrupt criminal activities and enhance the safety and security of residents.”
“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,” Adeh said in a statement issued on Sunday.
During the raids, officers seized a range of contraband, including:
- Knives
- A toy gun
- Cannabis
- Other illicit drugs
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.
Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Ahmed Sanusi, said the command would maintain intelligence‑driven raids and other proactive policing measures across the territory, giving particular attention to areas identified through intelligence as possible criminal hideouts. He warned youths and residents about the dangers of illicit drug use, noting that substance abuse can affect judgement, encourage violent or criminal conduct and increase security threats within communities. Sanusi advised those battling drug‑related challenges to seek counselling and rehabilitation services rather than allow substance abuse to push them into criminal activities.
Sanusi also directed officers to conduct raids and arrests professionally, warning that such operations must not be used to extort, intimidate or harass members of the public. Any officer found demanding money or engaging in misconduct would face appropriate disciplinary measures.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
