The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully arrested four suspects who were allegedly planning to launch attacks on government institutions and residential estates in Abuja during Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations. The arrests came after a thorough investigation and timely intelligence reports.
According to the police, the four suspects were apprehended in their hideout located in the Sauka area of Abuja. The suspects, who have been involved in various criminal activities, including kidnapping and murder, were taken into custody before they could carry out their planned attacks.
In an official statement released on Thursday, the FCT Police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, identified the suspects as Yau Sani, also known as Baba, who is an ex-convict, Nuhu, also known as Giwa, Kabiru Mohammed, and Yusuf Hassan. Adeh explained that the police were able to track down the suspects through the efforts of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, which acted on credible intelligence.
Adeh said, “The Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the FCT Police Command on 1st October 2024, acting on credible intelligence, trailed and arrested four notorious kidnappers who have been terrorizing the Federal Capital Territory namely: Yau Sani, a.k.a. Baba (an ex-convict), Nuhu, a.k.a. Giwa, Kabiru Mohammed, and Yusuf Hassan, at their criminal hideout in Sauka, Abuja living within the general population.”
The suspects reportedly confessed to being involved in a series of kidnappings not only in the FCT but also in nearby states such as Kaduna and Niger. According to the confession, they have killed seven of their kidnapping victims.
The statement also revealed that the suspects led the police to a forest in Niger State where they had hidden their weapons. The police recovered four AK-47 rifles and a total of 175 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, the suspects directed the authorities to another hideout in the Gauraka Forest, located in Suleja, Niger State. From this location, the police discovered more weapons, including 13 AK-47 magazines and 162 rounds of 7.6mm live ammunition.
Adeh noted that the police have prevented a major attack on the nation’s capital. “The suspects also confessed their intending plans to attack some government institutions and estates within the FCT, which have been proactively prevented by the Command,” she stated.
The FCT Police Command has assured the public that they are committed to eradicating criminal activities within the region. They also encouraged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities immediately, as cooperation between the public and law enforcement is crucial in maintaining security.
