Police foil Independence Day attacks, arrest four suspects

Operatives from the Federal Capital Territory Police Command have apprehended four individuals who were plotting to target government facilities and residential areas in the capital on Independence Day.

According to the command, the suspects were caught in their hideout in the Sauka neighborhood of Abuja, following a tip-off regarding their suspicious activities.

In a statement released on Thursday, spokesperson Josephine Adeh named the suspects as Yau Sani, also known as Baba (a former convict), Nuhu, aka Giwa, Kabiru Mohammed, and Yusuf Hassan.

Adeh revealed that the suspects admitted to being involved in multiple kidnappings across the FCT, Kaduna, and Niger, resulting in the deaths of seven victims. She stated, “On October 1, 2024, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit acted on credible intelligence, tracking and arresting these notorious criminals who have been a menace in the Federal Capital Territory: Yau Sani, aka Baba, Nuhu, aka Giwa, Kabiru Mohammed, and Yusuf Hassan, at their hideout in Sauka, where they blended in with the local community.”

She continued, “The suspects confessed to a number of kidnappings targeting unsuspecting residents in the FCT and surrounding areas, and they acknowledged the killing of seven victims during these crimes. Their operations have affected areas such as Dakwa, Dawaki, Aco estate, Dupe Village, Zuma Rock, Kuchiko village, and various locations in Niger and Kaduna.”

Following their arrest, the suspects led police to a forest in Niger where they had concealed their weapons. A total of four AK-47 rifles and 175 rounds of ammunition were recovered from them.

Adeh elaborated, “They also guided police to another hideout in Gauraka Forest, Suleja, Niger State, where we uncovered four additional AK-47 rifles, 13 magazines, and 162 rounds of 7.62 mm live ammunition.”

The suspects further revealed their intentions to attack several government institutions and estates within the FCT, plans that have now been thwarted by the police.

The command reiterated its dedication to eradicating crime in the FCT and urged citizens to report any suspicious activities to the police emergency contacts.