19th December, 2025.
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command recorded both operational successes and tragic losses in the final quarter of 2025, with nine armed criminals neutralised during confrontations while six officers died in the line of duty.
Commissioner of Police Miller Dantawaye disclosed these figures on Friday at the command headquarters in Abuja during a press conference where he presented the operational scorecard for October through December 2025.
According to Dantawaye, the armed suspects lost their lives during fierce gun battles with police operatives in the course of anti-kidnapping raids and armed robbery interventions when they attempted to escape arrest or take hostages.
The police chief paid tribute to the fallen officers, describing their deaths as a painful reminder of the sacrifices made by the Nigeria Police Force in safeguarding lives and property across the capital territory.
Within the review period, the command handled 300 reported criminal cases, resulting in the arrest of 160 suspects across multiple crime categories. Kidnapping cases totalled seven incidents with 41 suspects apprehended, while armed robbery operations led to 38 arrests from 62 reported cases.
The command also tackled 26 one-chance robbery incidents, arresting 12 suspects, and recovered 20 vehicles from 35 car theft and vehicle snatching cases that produced 11 arrests.
Dantawaye announced that 24 kidnap victims, including women and children, were rescued from forest hideouts and criminal camps, while eight additional victims of one-chance robbery and violent crimes were freed.
On prosecution, 96 suspects faced court charges during the period, with 60 convictions secured while other cases remain under judicial review.
The command’s operations yielded substantial recoveries, including 21 AK-47 rifles, 10 shotguns, one K2 rifle, locally manufactured firearms, ammunition, vehicles, illicit drugs, and N15.45 million in cash linked to criminal operations.
The Commissioner acknowledged the support of the Inspector-General of Police, the FCT Minister, sister security agencies, and residents while reaffirming the command’s dedication to intelligence-driven policing and community collaboration.
He urged residents to provide timely security information, assuring them of sustained efforts to maintain peace across the territory.
The FCT continues to face security challenges stemming from its role as Nigeria’s administrative capital and its location near states affected by criminal activities, prompting intensified police operations and inter-agency partnerships.