The Nigeria police Command in the Federal Capital Territory has taken about 300 criminal suspects into custody as part of measures to prevent crime, disrupt criminal activities, and enhance the safety and security of residents.
The operation, which was carried out across various locations on Saturday, September 19, 2026, led to the raid of several identified criminal flashpoints and the recovery of knives, a toy gun, cannabis, and other illicit drugs.
A statement by the FCT Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said the suspects were arrested during raids on criminal hideouts by police operatives and are undergoing screening in accordance with extant laws in Nigeria, while persons found to have no case to answer will be released after due screening.
The statement in part reads: “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”, according to the statement, where Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Sanusi, cautioned youths and other residents against the use and abuse of illicit drugs.
He stressed that substance abuse can impair judgment, fuel violent and criminal behaviour, and expose individuals and communities to serious security risks.
He advised anyone battling with drug use to seek appropriate counselling and rehabilitation support rather than allowing substance abuse to lead them into criminal activities.
The CP also warned police officers participating in such operations to conduct themselves professionally and in strict accordance with the law.
He admonished them against using raids or arrests as an avenue for extortion, intimidation, harassment, or unlawful demands for money, stressing that any officer found engaging in such misconduct will face appropriate disciplinary action in line with extant laws in Nigeria.
