The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has rolled out its scorecard from January to December 2024. It said about 1,426 cases were reported to the Command and a swift proactive measure was taken, leading to the arrest of 1,077 suspects and recovery of cash of Four Hundred and Nine Million, Nine Hundred and Ninety-Two Thousand Naira (₦409,992,000).
The Command noted that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is located at the heart of the Federation and bordered by Niger, Kaduna, Kogi, and Nasarawa States, and serves as the political and business hub of Nigeria.
It said its unique position attracts diverse individuals, including those with legitimate and illegitimate intentions.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, “At the start of 2024, the FCT faced significant security challenges across its six area councils, including banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, car theft, “one-chance” robbery, illegal possession and use of firearms, homicides, and other violent crimes.
“In alignment with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, the FCT Police Command conducted a thorough analysis of the security situation, carried out crime-mapping, identified crime hotspots, and implemented an action plan strategies such as robust community policing engagements; sustained targeted clearance operations; intelligence-led and visibility policing; collaboration with sister security agencies; and strategic communication, public enlightenment, and sensitization.”
The Command stated that during the year several cases were reported and many arrests, rescues and recoveries were made including the following:
• Kidnapping: 104 cases reported; 216 suspects arrested.
• Armed Robbery: 268 cases were reported, and 132 suspects were arrested.
• “One-Chance” Robbery: 263 cases were reported, and 71 suspects were arrested.
• Cybercrime: 32 cases reported; 15 suspects arrested.
• Homicide: 68 cases reported; 78 suspects arrested.
• Burglary: 73 cases reported; 20 suspects arrested.
• Fraud: 385 cases reported; 422 suspects arrested.
• Cultism: 38 cases reported; 59 suspects arrested.
• Police Misconduct: 68 cases were reported to the Command’s Complaint Response Unit (CRU).
• Car Theft: 127 cases reported; 64 suspects arrested.
• Kidnapping Victims Rescued: 68.
• “One-Chance” Robbery Victims Rescued: 19.
The Command also recovered ammunition and cash from criminal elements operating within the Command’s area of responsibility.
• Firearms: 376, including 13 AK-47 magazines and 187 rounds of live ammunition.
Similarly, the Command stated that a total of Four Hundred and Nine Million, Nine Hundred and Ninety-Two Thousand Naira (₦409,992,000) cash was recovered from the following sources: ₦36,850,000 from kidnapping suspects; ₦68,552,000 from armed robbery suspects; ₦19,590,000 from burglary cases; and ₦285,000,000 from fraud cases.
Vehicles Recovered are 73 from car theft cases; 24 from “one-chance” robbery cases; and two from cultism cases.
The Command further disclosed that it recorded great fits in the cases charged to court and obtained convictions.
• Kidnapping: 38 suspects charged; 21 convicted.
• “One-Chance” Robbery: 16 suspects charged; 11 convicted.
• Homicide: 32 suspects charged; 8 convicted.
• Fraud: 178 suspects charged; 58 convicted.
• Cultism: 19 suspects charged; 11 convicted.
• Burglary: 26 suspects charged; 8 convicted.
• Police Misconduct: 58 suspects charged; no convictions recorded.
• Car Theft: 21 suspects charged; 11 convicted.
The Command noted that the above statistics show a 15.1% reduction in crime incidents within the FCT between 2023 and 2024. It also honoured the Police officers who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty/active service to be 140 Officers.
The Command stated that going forward, it has unveiled strategic plans to intensify its fight against crime and further enhance the safety and security of the Federal Capital Territory.
The Command plans to intensify community policing engagements, intelligence-driven operations, targeted clearance operations and public sensitization campaigns to address emerging security challenges in the FCT.
The Command acknowledges the significant contributions of the Honourable Minister of the FCT, residents, sister security agencies, the media, members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), vigilante groups, and community policing stakeholders for their unwavering support and cooperation.
With a significant reduction in crime rates and a stable, peaceful atmosphere in the FCT, the Command reaffirms its commitment to sustaining the momentum in combating criminal activities. It also encourages residents to report emergencies via the following numbers: 08061581938; 08032003913; 08028940883; and 07057337653. Complaint Response Unit: 08107314192. Public Complaint Bureau: 09022222352
About The Author
