Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has taken a significant step in the fight against drug-related crimes, formally handing over a large quantity of recovered illicit drugs and arrested suspects to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution. The handover, which took place on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the command's headquarters in Abuja, was carried out by the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, who reaffirmed the commitment of the police to assist the NDLEA in flushing out illicit substances from the nation's capital. The exercise was part of ongoing inter-agency collaboration between the security agencies towards combating drug-related crimes and other criminal activities within the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking during the handover, CP Sanusi explained that the police conducted a massive raid in the FCT, which led to the recovery of an enormous quantity of substances. He noted that while the police have the statutory authority to investigate and prosecute drug-related offences, the command considered it necessary to maintain strong synergy and collaboration with sister security and law enforcement agencies, particularly the NDLEA, which has the statutory mandate for drug-related investigations and prosecution. "Since the Force and the NDLEA are working in collaboration, we are handing over these drugs and the suspects to you," Sanusi added.
The handover, which was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by the command's spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, was aimed at deepening inter-agency cooperation in tackling drug-related crimes and other criminal activities across the FCT. The move underscores the importance of sustained synergy among security and law enforcement agencies, with effective collaboration remaining critical to tackling criminal activities and ensuring the safety and security of residents of the FCT. The police command reiterated its commitment to strengthening partnerships with sister security agencies and other stakeholders to safeguard lives and property in Abuja.
Receiving the recovered items and suspects on behalf of the NDLEA FCT Strategic Command, the agency's Public Relations Officer, ACN Samuel Orji, expressed appreciation to the Commissioner of Police for extending an arm of inter-agency synergy through the handover. Orji commended the FCT Police Command for the gesture and its commitment to inter-agency cooperation. He assured that the suspects would be subjected to a proper investigation and prosecuted in accordance with extant laws. The NDLEA official's words reflect a shared commitment between both agencies to ensure that those involved in drug trafficking and abuse face the full weight of the law.
The handover comes amid growing concerns over the prevalence of drug-related crimes in the Federal Capital Territory, where illicit substances have continued to fuel other forms of criminality. The police command's decision to hand over the suspects and drugs to the NDLEA demonstrates a recognition that tackling drug-related offences requires a multi-agency approach, leveraging the expertise and statutory mandate of the NDLEA. The collaboration is expected to enhance the collective response to drug-related crimes and other criminal activities within the FCT. The police commissioner reiterated the command's commitment to strengthening collaboration with sister security agencies and relevant stakeholders in the collective effort to safeguard the territory.
The FCT Police Command has also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons and activities to the nearest police station or through the command's emergency lines: 0803 200 3913, 0806 158 1938. This appeal to residents underscores the critical role of community participation in the fight against drug-related crimes and other criminal activities. The command's proactive stance and commitment to inter-agency collaboration send a strong message that drug-related crimes will not be tolerated in the Federal Capital Territory.
While nothing precludes the Police Command from investigating and prosecuting drug-related offences, the Command considers it necessary to maintain strong synergy and collaboration with sister security and law enforcement agencies within the FCT, particularly the NDLEA, whose statutory mandate includes the investigation and prosecution of drug-related offences. This approach ensures that drug-related cases are handled with the specialised expertise required to secure convictions and dismantle drug trafficking networks. The handover is a testament to the growing culture of inter-agency cooperation in Nigeria's security sector, which is essential for addressing the complex and transnational nature of drug-related crimes.
The suspects and recovered drugs have been transferred to the NDLEA, where they will undergo further investigation and, where necessary, be prosecuted in accordance with extant laws. The suspects, whose identities have not been disclosed, were arrested during operations across the territory. The nature and quantity of the illicit drugs recovered have not been specified, but the police described them as a "large quantity" and an "enormous quantity". The successful handover marks a significant milestone in the ongoing fight against drug-related crimes in the Federal Capital Territory, as both agencies continue to work together to rid the nation's capital of illicit substances.
As the NDLEA takes over the case, the public will be watching to see how the prosecution unfolds. The collaboration between the FCT Police Command and the NDLEA is a positive development in the fight against drug-related crimes, but it must be sustained and strengthened to achieve lasting results. The police command's commitment to working with sister agencies and stakeholders, coupled with the NDLEA's statutory mandate and expertise, provides a solid foundation for tackling drug-related crimes in the FCT. However, the success of this partnership will ultimately depend on the commitment of both agencies to follow through on their promises and ensure that those involved in drug trafficking are brought to justice.
The handover of the suspects and recovered drugs to the NDLEA for prosecution is a welcome development that demonstrates the FCT Police Command's commitment to inter-agency collaboration in the fight against drug-related crimes. As the NDLEA prepares to prosecute the suspects, the public will be watching closely to see if this collaboration will lead to meaningful convictions and a reduction in drug-related crimes in the nation's capital. The police command has urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, emphasising that the fight against drugs is a collective responsibility that requires the cooperation of all stakeholders. With the NDLEA now in charge of the case, the next phase of the fight against drug-related crimes in the FCT will be closely monitored.
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