Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Commissioner, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, Ph.D., has issued a blunt and uncompromising ultimatum to officers under his command, declaring that any policeman caught extorting commercial tricycle (Keke) riders or motorists will be branded a common thief and made to face the full weight of the law. The warning, delivered during a strategic security briefing on Sunday, June 28, 2026, marks the latest and most aggressive crackdown on police corruption in the nation's capital since Sanusi assumed office in March 2026.
Addressing officers and divisional commanders, the no-nonsense police chief stripped away standard diplomatic rhetoric to call out corrupt officers for what they are. "We don't want to hear any reports of extorting Keke riders or motorists in Abuja ongoing," Sanusi warned. "If we hear such complaints, it means you are a thief. You cannot be both a thief and a police officer at the same time—you have to choose one".
The fierce warning comes at a time when Abuja residents, particularly commercial drivers and Keke operators struggling under severe economic realities, have raised alarms over increasing harassment and illegal daily "levies" enforced by rogue police teams at various checkpoints and junctions within the city center and surrounding suburbs. Sanusi's directive signals a new era of accountability, as Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) will now be held directly responsible for any extortion rings operating within their jurisdictions.
Insiders within the command have noted that the CP's direct language has sent a strong signal to officers, with the Commissioner warning that any officer found culpable would be "promptly arrested and made to face appropriate disciplinary actions". Sanusi has also tasked the Commander of the X-Squad to intensify monitoring and enforcement operations against unprofessional conduct within the command.
This is not the first time Sanusi has taken a hard line against police misconduct. On June 8, 2026, during the official launch of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) at the former SARS office in Guzape Junction, the CP warned officers against misconduct, abuse of authority, harassment, and extortion of residents, stressing that such acts would not be tolerated. The VCRU, which has been structured into five operational sectors across the territory, was established to strengthen the fight against armed robbery, kidnapping, violent attacks, and other serious crimes within the FCT.
On April 17, 2026, Sanusi convened an emergency security meeting with Area and Tactical Commanders at the FCT Police Headquarters in Garki II, where he reiterated the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on strict adherence to professional standards. During that meeting, he announced the dissolution of all tactical teams within the command, merging them into a single unified unit known as the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), to ensure better coordination and efficiency.
The FCT Police Command has also encouraged residents to report suspicious activities through designated emergency lines. Sanusi has called on residents to support security efforts by cooperating with law enforcement agencies and reporting suspicious activities, while cautioning against provoking confrontations with police officers for the purpose of recording and sharing such incidents online.
For motorists and Keke riders in Abuja who are constantly drained by illegal checkpoint charges, this directive is a welcome relief. However, the true test for the citizens of Abuja will be whether the FCT command follows through with the public arrest, dismissal, and prosecution of the "thieves in uniform" who defy this direct order. As the CP himself put it, the choice is stark: a badge or a crime. And for those who choose wrong, there will be no mercy.
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