Police nab 13 after gun battle with robbery syndicate in Abuja

Criminal syndicates linked to a series of violent robberies across Gwagwalada, Apo, Waru, Jahi, Wuse and other parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have engaged operatives of the FCT Police Command in a heavy gun battle, leading to the arrest of 13 suspects.

Abuja Metro gathered that the gang had earlier carried out raids in Asokoro, Mabuchi and Utako before security operatives traced them to their hideouts.

The FCT Police Commissioner, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, confirmed the development in a statement, disclosing that the suspects were apprehended following an exchange of fire at a criminal hideout in Durumi, a suburb of Abuja.

According to him, the operation was launched based on credible intelligence, which enabled police operatives to track the suspects to their location. Upon arrival, members of the syndicate reportedly opened fire on the police team.

The Commissioner said the operatives responded decisively, overpowering the suspects and arresting eight members of the gang in the first encounter. The operation was led by ACP Victor O. Godfrey of the Command’s Scorpion Squad.

He added that the squad had earlier conducted intelligence-driven operations in Apo-Waru and Durumi after receiving complaints from victims of robbery incidents in Asokoro, Mabuchi and Utako.

Follow-up operations later led the police team to a second hideout in Apo-Waru, where another gun duel ensued, resulting in the arrest of five additional suspects.

CP Dantawaye disclosed that the suspects were positively identified through CCTV footage obtained from one of their recent robbery operations, which provided critical evidence.

Preliminary investigations, according to the command, revealed that the syndicate was responsible for multiple violent robberies across the FCT.

“Notable incidents linked to the gang include a robbery at a hotel in Gwagwalada, where victims were dispossessed of cash, foreign currency and phones, and a vigilante operative was disarmed,” the statement said.

“Other incidents include a robbery at a Travel Lodge in Wuse Zone 6, during which a police officer sustained serious injuries and a vehicle was stolen, as well as a robbery at an apartment in Jahi affecting residents, including security aides attached to the Executive Governor of Kebbi State.”

The 13 suspects were identified as Yahaya Hassan, Umar Shuaibu, Adamu Ibrahim, Abubakar Sani, Abdullazeez Usain, Aliyu Aminu, Aliyu Adam, Ibrahim Usman, Suleiman Yawata, Mohammed Ali, Sani Hamza and Hassan Abba.

Items recovered from them include a grey Toyota Corolla (2015 model) with registration number ABC 200 GP, one AK-47 rifle, one locally fabricated rifle, one 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.

The Commissioner stated that investigations are ongoing and the suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion.

He reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08061581938.

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