In a swift and decisive operation, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command successfully thwarted an armed robbery and apprehended a key suspect in the Karu Site area of Abuja. This incident underscores the critical importance of community vigilance and effective emergency response systems in urban security.
By Monday Ijeh
Abuja, Dec. 29, 2025
The Police Public Relations Officer for the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the operation in a detailed statement. The sequence of events began in the early hours of December 27th, at approximately 3:45 am, when the Command’s emergency control room received a distress call. A resident reported an active armed robbery invasion at a home in Karu Site, a densely populated suburb where such crimes can have severe repercussions.
Rapid Response and Confrontation
Acting on the tip, a tactical response team from the Karu Divisional Police Headquarters was immediately mobilized. The team, led personally by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), exemplifies the shift towards leadership-led field operations intended to boost officer morale and operational effectiveness.
Upon the team’s arrival, the situation escalated. “The suspects opened fire on the police team,” stated SP Adeh. “The police officers responded professionally, subdued the threat, and arrested one of the suspects.” This exchange of fire highlights the dangerous realities law enforcement faces daily. Two other accomplices, exploiting the darkness and likely familiar with the area’s layout, managed to flee the scene.
Exhibits Recovered: A Glimpse into Criminal Modus Operandi
The items recovered from the scene provide insight into the gang’s preparation and methods:
- Locally Fabricated Firearm & Live Cartridges: The use of locally made weapons is a persistent challenge in Nigeria, often pointing to wider networks of illicit arms fabrication and distribution.
- Cutlass and Knives: These close-quarter weapons indicate the robbers were prepared for physical confrontation and intimidation of victims.
- Torchlight: A tool for navigation and blinding victims in dark conditions.
- Mobile Phones: Likely used for coordination and possibly containing digital evidence crucial for tracking the fleeing suspects and their network.
Ongoing Investigations and Public Assurance
The arrested suspect is currently receiving medical attention under police guard. The FCT Command has assured the public that intensive investigative efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the two fleeing robbers. This process will likely involve analyzing the recovered phones, witness statements, and forensic evidence, and potentially coordinating with neighboring divisions to set up dragnets.
The Commissioner of Police for the FCT, Mr. Miller Dantawaye, commended the officers for their “prompt response and professionalism.” He reiterated a vital message to residents: community cooperation is the bedrock of effective policing.
A Critical Reminder for Residents
This incident serves as a powerful case study in the effectiveness of using official emergency channels. The FCT Police Command urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities immediately through its dedicated emergency lines: 08032003913 or 07057337653. Prompt and accurate reporting, as demonstrated in Karu Site, directly enables the police to intervene proactively, prevent loss of property and life, and maintain the safety of the capital territory.
Edited by Yakubu Uba
Source: NAN
