N9 Million Ransom Recovered As Police Arrests Kidnappers In Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command has apprehended seven notorious kidnappers in Abuja and recovered a ransom of N9 million. CP Benneth Igweh, the police commissioner, announced the arrest of the wanted kidnappers by operatives of the Utako police division in a coordinated operation at Tudun – Wada Lugbe and Pyakasa areas. He gave the names of the wanted kidnappers as Usman Muazu from Kwali, FCT, Aliyu Mohammed, from Pumpomare area of Borno state, Awwal Dahiru, who hails from Gwagwalada area council of the FCT, Rabi Sani, from Safana, Katsina state and Madina Abubakar, from Gulu, Lapai local government area of Niger state. Others are, Jonah Elimelech from Kauru, Kaduna state, Saminu Idris, from also from Kauru, Kaduna state and Mariji Iliya from Mangu, Plateau state. All have confessed to their crimes, providing valuable information for the arrest of other gang members.  The police commissioner also mentioned the recovery of weapons, including knives and cutlasses, along with bulletproof vests and charms. Additionally, 79 suspects were arrested in raids on various black spots in the FCT, part of the command’s efforts to combat crime in the area. “And we speak, the suspects who have been profiled are in custody undergoing interrogation at respective division, while those found wanting will be charge to court,” he said.

FCTA demolishes illegal market used for criminal hideouts in Abuja

The officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Tuesday demolished an illegal market called “Kasuwan Dare”, a suspected hideout for hoodlums and drug dealers in Asokoro, Abuja. The market was located at Hassan Musa Katsina Street, near Kpaduma II in Asokoro Extension, Abuja. Speaking after the demolition, the Director, Department of Development Control, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, said that the illegal market was becoming a threat to the residents of the area and passerby. Galadima added that the area was turned into a haven for criminal activities despite relentless efforts by the FCT Administration to sanitise the area. He added that the miscreants operating in the area were affecting the aesthetic quality of the entire environment, adding that the Administration would allow it to continue. He said that area had to go because it constituted a security threat, adding that the area was also serving as a hideout for miscreants, drug dealers and men of the underworld. “The operation will help us get rid of the hoodlums and drug dealers that have taken over the place. “We had demolished the place about three times, but the nuisances rebuilt and continued their activities. “This time around, the demolished market will remain demolished. We need to sanitise the place and enhance the aesthetic quality of the environment. “It is also part of the current administration’s policy of sanitising the city, and this is one of the areas we are commencing the exercise,” he said. Also, the Secretary, FCTA Command and Control, Mr Peter Olumuji, said that efforts would be put in place to ensure the safety of residents in the area. The Village Head of Kpaduma, Mr Bitrus Yakubu, commended the FCT Administration for coming to their rescue and for ridding the area of hoodlums. “The place has been here for over twenty years but today it has gone down for our own good. “We are very happy as a community that the area is cleared for good,” Bitrus said.

Eid-el-Kabir: Police assure FCT residents of adequate security

The Police Commissioner in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Garba Haruna, says adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure a peaceful Eid-el-Kabir Sallah celebration in the FCT. Haruna gave the assurance in Abuja shortly after the monthly FCT Security Committee Meeting, chaired by the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Mr Olusade Adesola. The commissioner urged residents to go about their businesses during the Sallah period without fear of any breakdown of law and order. According to him, arrangements have been concluded for the FCT residents to have a peaceful Sallah celebration. He added that police officers have been deployed and put on alert a day before the Sallah celebration. “All the praying grounds will be covered. The DPO Area Commanders have been alerted. “Also, the Explosive Ordinance Disposal officers will scan and screen the areas where people are supposed to gather. “I want to assure residents of the FCT that they are safe and secure. “They should move about their lawful businesses. Those who expect to go to the praying ground should go and have their worship. “We will be there to support and secure them. There will be no problem,” he assured. The meeting had in attendance the heads of various military and para-military formations in the FCT, religious and traditional leaders as well as relevant officers of the FCTA.