The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Police Command has arrested about 300 suspects during raids on crime-prone areas, shanties and uncompleted buildings across Abuja.
The operation, carried out on Saturday, September 19, was aimed at identifying and disrupting criminal activities in locations suspected to serve as hideouts for criminals.
The command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, saying the exercise was part of measures to “prevent crime, disrupt criminal activities and enhance the safety and security of residents.”
“The operation, carried out across various locations, led to the raid of several identified criminal hideouts, with approximately 300 persons taken into custody for screening. Items recovered during the operation include knives, a toy gun, cannabis and other illicit drugs,” the statement reads.
“The suspects are currently undergoing thorough screening and profiling.
“Those found to have committed offences will be appropriately charged to court in accordance with the law, while persons found to have no case to answer will be released after due screening.
The Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Ahmed Sanusi, said the command would maintain intelligence-driven raids and other proactive policing measures across the territory.
He said particular attention would be given to areas identified through intelligence as possible criminal hideouts.
Sanusi also warned youths and other residents about the dangers associated with the use and abuse of illicit drugs.
According to him, substance abuse can affect judgement, encourage violent or criminal conduct and increase security threats within communities.
The commissioner advised individuals battling drug-related challenges to seek counselling and rehabilitation services rather than allow substance abuse to push them into criminal activities.
Sanusi further directed police officers to conduct raids and arrests professionally, warning that such operations must not be used to extort, intimidate or harass members of the public.
He said any officer found demanding money or engaging in other forms of misconduct would be subjected to appropriate disciplinary measures.