FCT police arrest 10 traffic robbers, 20 one-way offenders

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested 10 suspected traffic robbers and 20 motorists for allegedly driving against traffic, popularly known as ‘one-way’.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, disclosed this on Wednesday while giving an update on the command’s recent operations.

Sanusi said the crackdown followed complaints from residents about criminals who rob motorists and passengers during traffic congestion, sometimes disguising themselves as hawkers.

He said he had directed Divisional Police Officers, particularly those operating in the city centre, to remove suspicious persons from major roads and traffic points.

“So far, we have arrested ten traffic robbery suspects,” Sanusi said.

He listed the suspects as Umar Salihu, Yusuf Isah, Aliyu Hamza, Abubakar Naziru, Muhammed Musa, Yagugu Mohammed, Suwidi Jibril, Kasimu Taraba, Abubakar Sani and Aminu Umar.

According to him, the suspects are currently in police custody and are undergoing investigation.

He also disclosed that 20 motorists arrested by the command for various traffic offences, particularly driving against traffic, had been charged in court.

He further said that three victims were kidnapped from their residence in the Nyanya area of the FCT on August 14 and taken to New Nyanya in Nasarawa State, where they were held by their abductors. According to him, police operatives from the Violent Crime Response Unit, Team 1, tracked the suspects with the help of information provided by a resident and arrested two persons allegedly linked to the kidnapping.

He identified the suspects as Godwin Afekhide and Aaron Ogbu.

“All three victims were rescued unharmed and reunited with their family,” he said.

The Commissioner of Police further disclosed the arrest of suspects linked to armed robbery, burglary and the alleged receiving of stolen property.

He said one Ismail Tasiu, 32, was arrested at a hotel in Jabi following investigations into robbery incidents in Nyanya and Kubwa.

According to him, Tasiu was arrested alongside Adamu Aliyu, 35, who was allegedly identified as a receiver of stolen items.

Police recovered five motorcycles, three knives, a number plate and a face cap bearing the inscription Kaduna State Vigilante Service from the suspects.

“We also arrested six suspects linked to burglary and armed robbery. Investigations revealed that the gang specialised in breaking into houses at night, stealing valuables and stabbing their victims,” Sanusi added.

The Commissioner of Police assured residents that the command would sustain its operations against criminal elements across the FCT.