The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command said it has arrested over 300 suspects disguised as scavengers during a major security operation aimed at addressing the rising crime concerns.
The suspects were paraded in Abuja on Thursday, showcasing the police’s commitment to enhancing security and cleaning up the streets.
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Daniel Abejide, one of the suspects, said he is innocent, stating, “I was sleeping in a car when they came to wake me and said that I’m a criminal. I am not a criminal; I have a handwork. I’m a painter. I learnt painting when I turned eight years old and now I’m 21. Police have been arresting me in Abuja. One of the cars that I painted I slept inside because I don’t have money to go back home. It is from the same car the police came to wake me up. I saw them removing a knife from the car I slept in. I do painting work in Jabi garage, forest, and people know me very well. The person who taught me the work is Wale, and he is at Jabi too.”
Bennett Igweh, FCT Commissioner of Police stated that all the suspects were apprehended at crime scenes with exhibits.
“About 300 of the suspects were arrested and some are already in prison. We want to clean the cities because some of them disguise as scavengers and waste pickers.
“They end up robbing the residents of the vicinity they have gone to. You leave your house, and before you come back, a lot of things will be missing,” Igweh explained.
During the operation, police recovered generators and two guns from a ‘baban bola’ group in Zuba. Additionally, household equipment stolen from people’s houses were retrieved from the suspects.
Igweh also noted that many of the suspects are not Nigerians, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the police’s efforts. “Our duty is to keep them off the streets. This fight continues until the city is clean and clear of criminal elements,” he assured.
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This crackdown, according to him, highlighted the FCT Police’s dedication to maintaining law and order, ensuring the safety of Abuja’s residents, and addressing the persistent issue of crime in the area.
