The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested 13 suspected members of an armed robbery syndicate allegedly responsible for a series of violent attacks across Abuja.
The arrests were made during coordinated operations conducted between January 10 and 12, 2026, by operatives of the Command’s Scorpion Squad under the leadership of ACP Victor O. Godfrey.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, said the operations were triggered by complaints from victims of recent armed robbery incidents in Asokoro, Mabuchi and Utako districts.
According to Adeh, acting on credible intelligence, the operatives tracked the suspects to a hideout in Durumi, where the gang reportedly engaged the police in a gun battle.
“The operatives responded swiftly and subdued the suspects, leading to the arrest of eight members of the syndicate,” she said.
She added that follow-up operations led officers to another hideout in Apo-Waru, where a second exchange of gunfire occurred, resulting in the arrest of five additional suspects.
The Command disclosed that CCTV footage obtained from one of the gang’s recent operations played a key role in identifying and tracking the suspects.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the syndicate was linked to multiple robberies in Gwagwalada, Apo, Waru, Jahi, Wuse and other parts of the FCT.
The suspects were identified as Yahuya Hassan (21), Umar Shaibu (23), Adahu Ibrahim (25), Abubakar Sani (20), Abdulazeez Usani (20), Aliyu Aminu (21), Aliyu Adam (18), Sadisu Samilu (20), Ibrahim Usman (20), Suleiman Yawala (21), Mohammed Ali (28), Sani Hamza (25) and Hassan Abba (19).
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Police linked the group to several major incidents, including a robbery at Dan-Shade Hotel in Gwagwalada, where victims were reportedly dispossessed of cash, foreign currency and mobile phones, and a vigilante operative was allegedly disarmed.
The gang was also accused of attacking Hi-Test Travel Lodge in Wuse Zone 6, during which a police officer sustained serious injuries and a vehicle was stolen.
Another incident cited by the police was a robbery at Khole Home Apartment in Jahi, which reportedly affected residents, including security aides attached to the Executive Governor of Kebbi State.
Items recovered from the suspects include a grey 2015 Toyota Corolla with registration number ABC 200 GP, one AK-47 rifle, a locally fabricated rifle, a 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.
Adeh stated that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of the inquiry.
She reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the police emergency lines.
