Police Arrest 17 Drug Suspects, Notorious Car Thief in Abuja Raids

Police Arrest 17 Drug Suspects, Notorious Car Thief in Abuja Raids

By; Zagazola Makama

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested 17 suspected drug peddlers and a notorious armed robber in separate operations across Abuja.

Zagazola Makama confirmed that operatives from the Anti-Narcotic Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Maitama and Pegi Divisions carried out coordinated raids on criminal hideouts, uncompleted buildings, and known drug black spots.

During the operations, 17 suspects were apprehended, and a significant quantity of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, illicit drugs, 24 lighters, and scissors were recovered. Police say the suspects are undergoing interrogation, and those found culpable will be charged in court.

Notorious Car Thief Nabbed in Wuse

In a separate incident, the police arrested a suspected notorious car thief, Ibrahim Suleiman, 36, of Falele Village in Lokoja, Kogi State.

Suleiman was caught in the act of attempting to steal a Toyota Sienna Space Bus parked near Wuse Zone 3 Mosque during Juma’at prayers on Friday. An angry mob descended on him, but he was rescued by operatives from the Wuse Division.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime. Investigations also revealed that he had previously been arrested in connection with a car theft and a robbery at First Bank in Abaji on June 13, 2024. At the time, he was caught by the then Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Abaji, CSP Alkali Lamido, in Gegu Community, Kogi State.

Further intelligence led to the recovery of seven master keys, two mobile phones, a pair of glasses, and a Peugeot 406 Saloon Car with registration number KAB 480 AA, dark ash in color. Suleiman admitted to being involved in multiple car thefts across Kogi and the FCT. He had been previously charged in court but was released. The suspect is now in custody at the Anti-Violent Crime Section of SCID, where investigations are ongoing.

Suspect Caught With AK-47 Magazine and Live Ammunition

Meanwhile, police operatives from Jabi Division arrested one Sadiq Abubakar Walama, 36, of Fafu Estate, Idu Yard, for being in possession of an AK-47 rifle magazine loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunition.

Security sources confirmed that Walama was acting suspiciously when he was intercepted. Upon search, operatives also found a form bearing a military passport photograph. The suspect is currently in custody undergoing interrogation.

Three Dead in Abuja Traffic Accident

In another development, a fatal road accident occurred at about 6:20 p.m. on Friday at Sun City Traffic Light, involving a Hayab Truck with registration number Lagos FST 585 XY, belonging to Sany Company.

The truck reportedly lost control and ran into pedestrians who were attempting to cross the road. Five victims sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi.

Three of the victims were confirmed dead, while the others remain in critical condition at the hospital’s emergency unit. The truck has been impounded, and an investigation into the incident is underway.

The FCT Police Command urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, while reiterating its commitment to ensuring public safety and security.

Police Arrest 17 Drug Suspects, Notorious Car Thief in Abuja Raids