Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has announced the arrest of six suspected armed robbers allegedly linked to a spate of violent criminal activity targeting nightclubs and recreational centres within Abuja’s metropolitan area. The arrests followed a focused intelligence-led operation aimed at dismantling a criminal syndicate believed to be planning further attacks.
According to a statement released by the command, the operation was launched on Friday, January 17, 2026, after the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to neutralise the threat posed by the group. Acting on credible intelligence, tactical teams tracked down the suspects’ hideout in the Dakwa area of Dei-Dei, on the outskirts of the FCT, before the criminals could execute another planned robbery.
The arrested men — identified as Suleiman Magaji (25), Abdullahi Abubakar (20), Abubakar Shitu ‘M’ (25), Sani Ibrahim (17), Rabiu Dahiru (19) and Ahmen Abdullahi (26) — are alleged to be responsible for a series of armed robberies across Abuja, including a brazen attack at Crystal Lounge in Wuse II in which a patron was reportedly dispossessed of gold jewellery valued at approximately ₦15 million. Police sources say the stolen items were subsequently sold for around ₦1.2 million, though investigations into the full extent of the group’s activities are ongoing.
During the raid, investigators recovered evidence and exhibits that may further link the suspects to other crimes, including a black toy gun, long and short knives, local charms, and 42 bags of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis sativa, a development that could result in additional charges related to illegal possession of narcotics.
Police confirmed that the suspects are currently in custody at the FCT Police Command headquarters pending the completion of formal investigations, after which they are expected to be charged to court. Authorities emphasised that the arrest represents a significant step toward dismantling criminal networks targeting entertainment venues and civilians in the nation’s capital.
In comments accompanying the disclosure, CP Dantawaye commended the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and courage, crediting the success of the operation to timely public information and robust intelligence work. He also urged residents to maintain vigilant security awareness, encouraging the public to continue reporting suspicious activities and individuals to the police through official emergency contact lines.
The arrests come amid broader efforts by the FCT Police Command to clamp down on violent crime, including armed robbery, kidnapping and “one-chance” syndicates that have plagued parts of Abuja in recent years. While the city remains one of Nigeria’s most heavily policed areas, law enforcement officials acknowledge that persistent collaboration with citizens is essential to curtailing criminal activity and improving overall public safety.
As the investigation progresses, police are expected to make further statements detailing any additional connections between the suspects and other reported robberies or violent crimes in the territory.
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