By Kazeem Waris
The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Police Command has arrested 70 suspected hoodlums following the circulation of a viral video showing the robbery of a victim around the Unity Fountain area of Maitama, Abuja.
The arrests followed an immediate directive by the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, for police operatives to raid identified criminal black spots around Unity Fountain and its environs and track down persons linked to the robbery.
Police spokesman, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed yesterday that 30 of the 70 suspects arrested during the operation were released after preliminary screening, while 40 were retained for further investigation.
She further disclosed that the victim of the robbery had positively identified two of the suspects as persons he recognised from the incident.
Adeh said the operation was launched after the command became aware of the viral video allegedly showing the robbery around Unity Fountain.
According to her, “Following a viral video alleging a robbery incident around Unity Fountain in the Maitama area of the FCT, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, ordered an immediate and comprehensive raid of identified black spots around Unity Fountain and its environs, with a view to identifying and apprehending any person(s) connected to the incident.”
She said operatives attached to Maitama Division subsequently conducted coordinated raids across identified criminal flashpoints, resulting in the arrest of 70 suspects.
“Following preliminary screening and due process, 30 of the suspects were screened and released, while 40 suspects were retained in custody for further investigation,” the police spokesman said.
Adeh added that the investigation took a significant turn when the robbery victim identified two of the suspects.
“In the course of the investigation, the victim was able to positively identify two of the suspects as persons he recognised from the incident,” she said.
The identified suspects, alongside other persons retained in custody, are currently being investigated as the police expand their probe to determine whether other individuals were involved in the robbery.
The development comes amid growing concerns over attacks on unsuspecting residents and motorists in parts of Abuja, particularly around busy city-centre locations.
In recent weeks, hoodlums have reportedly targeted members of the public, allegedly snatching mobile phones, wristwatches, jewellery and other valuables from victims in traffic and during rush hours.
The latest police operation is expected to intensify security surveillance around the Unity Fountain, Maitama and other identified criminal flashpoints in the capital.
The FCT Police Command urged residents to remain security-conscious and promptly report suspicious persons, movements and activities to the nearest police station.
The command also advised residents to use its emergency lines — 08032003913 and 08061581938 — to report incidents or seek police assistance.
