The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has dismantled a notorious armed robbery and carjacking syndicate operating within Abuja and its environs.
The tactical operation, led by the Scorpion Squad, reportedly resulted in the death of a key suspect and the arrest of seven gang members.
According to a press release by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, on Tuesday, the operation was executed on May 15, 2025, following credible intelligence that the gang was planning an armed robbery in the Maitama District on May 19.
She said upon sighting the police operatives, the gang members opened fire, triggering a fierce gun battle.
“One suspect, identified as Abdulmininu Bello, a.k.a. Babanle, was neutralised during the exchange.
“The following seven suspects were arrested at the scene: Ibrahim Muhammad, an ex-convict from Kebbi State; Abubakar Abdullahi, from Plateau State; Sarajo Yusuf, from Plateau State and Isiaka Adamu, also an ex-convict from Bauchi State.
“Other suspects are Abdullahi Isah, an escaped detainee from Bauchi State; Sanusi Ali, a resident of Kano State and Abubakar Sani, from Plateau State,” the police said.
The statement added that the gang’s leader, Solomon Bawa, a.k.a. Pastor Mogu, and another unidentified suspect fled the scene with gunshot wounds.
The police therefore urged the public to report anyone seen with suspicious gun injuries.
Items recovered include one 2004 Toyota Camry LE, one red boxer motorcycle, two locally made pistols with 10 rounds of live 9mm ammunition, four AK-47 rifles with magazines, 11 7.62mm live rounds and one locally made shotgun.
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The police statement said preliminary investigations revealed that the gang is part of a deadly armed network notorious for targeting owners of SUVs and luxury vehicles, primarily through late-night ambushes and deception.
The suspects confessed to operating a WhatsApp group where they planned robberies, often using insider information from domestic workers.
Shocking confessions from the suspects also linked them to the 2015 murder of an MTN staff in Kaduna State.
Additionally, they admitted to selling a custom-painted Toyota Camry for ₦700,000, and a Lexus SUV for ₦1 million.
The suspects are currently in custody and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The FCT commissioner of police praised the bravery and professionalism of the officers involved and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents.
