FCT police arrest 82 suspects in coordinated raids across black spots

By: Zagazola Makama

A coordinated night operation by security operatives in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has led to the arrest of 82 suspects during simultaneous raids on identified black spots and uncompleted buildings.

Zagazola Makama reports that the operation, which took place on Saturday, July 26, around 11:40 p.m., was carried out across multiple locations including Kubwa, Gwagwa, Maitama, Iddo, Jikwoyi, Dawaki, and Dutse Alhaji.

During the raids, law enforcement personnel targeted areas notorious for criminal activities, including abandoned and uncompleted buildings that often serve as hideouts for miscreants.

A total of 82 individuals were arrested in connection with various offences. Security agents also recovered unspecified quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, along with other illicit drugs and related paraphernalia.

According to officials, the suspects are currently undergoing thorough screening and interrogation at their respective divisional headquarters. Those found culpable will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

The operation forms part of a renewed effort by authorities to rid the FCT of criminal elements and ensure the safety of residents, especially as cases of petty crimes and drug-related offences continue to rise in urban neighborhoods.

A source at the FCT Command have assured that similar raids will continue in the coming weeks.

FCT police arrest 82 suspects in coordinated raids across black spots

Cultists ambush security team, kill senior police officer in Abuja raid, 19 suspects arrested

By: Zagazola Makama

A senior security officer has been killed and several others injured following a violent clash with suspected cultists and drug dealers at Bakasi Yimitu Village, Waru area of the Federal Capital Territory.

Sources reliably informed Zagazola Makama that the clash occurred late Wednesday night during a joint operation targeting a notorious criminal enclave in the area.

The operation, based on credible intelligence, involved members of a surveillance team and a local vigilante group known as the Destiny Hunters.

According to sources, the hoodlums launched a fierce attack on the operatives, seriously injuring several, including the Second-in-Command of the Waru Outstation, identified as DSP Amos Biko, and the Commander of the Destiny Hunters, Philibus.

Three patrol vehicles were destroyed in the ambush, while a riot long-range firearm and cartridges were also carted away by the attackers.

In a retaliatory move, the assailants proceeded to vandalise the Waru Outstation, smashing glass windows and damaging six privately owned vehicles parked within the premises.

The injured officers were rushed to Shekworhishama Hospital in Kabusa, where DSP Amos was later confirmed dead. His body has since been moved to the Federal Medical Centre in Jabi.

So far, 19 suspects have been apprehended in connection with the incident. Two of the suspects, who sustained serious injuries, were taken to Asokoro General Hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival. Their bodies have been deposited at the hospital mortuary.

Security personnel have since brought the situation under control, and normalcy has been restored to the affected area.
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NYSC tasks employers to support corps members

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has urged employers to provide an enabling environment for corps members to enable them to contribute to the national development.

The Director-General of the scheme, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, said this at the 2025 Corps Employer’s Workshop, on Thursday in Gombe.

The theme of the workshop is: “Strengthening NYSC/Corps Employer’s Partnership for Improved Mutual Benefits.”

Represented by Aisha Adamu, Director, NYSC North-East Area Office II, Taraba, Nafiu said that while corps members have a task of ensuring nation building, they must be supported to deliver in that regard.

Nafiu said that employers have a tasks of complementing the work of the scheme by prioritising the welfare and security of corps members, to enable them to deliver their best to the employers.

He said the Scheme had provided all necessary information to the employers on what they need to do, adding that strict adherence to the rules had enabled corps members to contribute effectively to the development of the country.

“I call on participants to make individual and collective contributions in shaping the nation building efforts of the corps members.

“It is noteworthy that consistency and fidelity by employers to their roles and practices over the years ensured that corps members turn out fulfilled at the end of the service year.

“In this regard, they should provide corps members comfortable accommodation, organise induction for them to enhance their performance on the job.

“Assign corps members duties commensurate to their qualification for the effective utilisation of their skills. Supervise them effectively and not grant any permission to travel without approval from the State Coordinator,” he said.

Nafiu, however, lamented that in recent times, these activities had not been considered in part or whole, leading to rising truancy among corps members, and reduced productivity at the workplaces.

He said the trend also resulted in little Community Development Service (CDS) projects executed by the corps members.

The NYSC helmsman said the scheme was partnering with the employers to address the identified lapses, to ensure effective management and putting in place the necessary environment to motivate corps members towards nation building.

He urged the participants to use the workshop to proffer solutions towards building an enduring partnership between the scheme and the corps employers to improve service delivery.

Mr Ahmed Abdullahi, Head of Civil Service, Gombe State, advocated for an enhanced relations among all stakeholders towards creating better environment for corps members, to enable them to serve the country better.

Also, Chinwe Nwachkeu, the NYSC Coordinator in the state, commended the employers for their contributions to the welfare of corps members.

NYSC tasks employers to support corps members