FCT Police operations in late 2025 left nine criminals dead, six officers killed, dozens rescued and over 160 suspects arrested, police say

The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory Command, Mr Miller Dantawaye, on Friday disclosed that operatives of the command killed nine armed criminals during gun battles across Abuja, while six police officers died in the line of duty between October and December 2025.

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Mr Dantawaye made the disclosure at the FCT Police Command headquarters in Abuja during a press briefing where he presented the operational scorecard of the command for the final quarter of the year.

According to the commissioner, the fatalities occurred during high risk anti kidnapping and armed robbery operations, where suspects engaged police operatives in gun duels while attempting to abduct victims or evade arrest.

Mr Dantawaye said the operations reflected the intensity of criminal threats faced by the command, particularly from kidnapping gangs and armed robbery networks operating within the territory and its surrounding corridors.

He described the period as painful for the command, noting that six police officers paid what he called the supreme price while protecting lives and property in the Federal Capital Territory.

The commissioner said the fallen officers’ sacrifices underscored the resolve of the Nigeria Police Force to confront violent crime despite personal risk, adding that their deaths would not be in vain.

Despite the losses, Mr Dantawaye said FCT Police operations recorded notable successes, with 160 suspects arrested from about 300 reported cases across various crime categories during the period under review.

He said seven kidnapping cases led to the arrest of 41 suspects, while 62 armed robbery incidents resulted in 38 arrests. He added that 26 so called one chance robbery cases were recorded, with 12 suspects apprehended.

The commissioner said police also arrested 11 suspects linked to 35 cases of car theft and vehicle snatching, recovering 20 stolen vehicles during sustained operations across the territory.

Mr Dantawaye disclosed that 24 kidnapped victims, including women and children, were rescued from forest hideouts, while eight victims of violent robbery were also freed.

He added that 96 suspects were charged to court, with 60 convictions already secured, while prosecution continues in other cases.

Recovered exhibits, according to the commissioner, included 21 AK 47 rifles, 10 shotguns, one K2 rifle, locally fabricated firearms, ammunition, vehicles, illicit drugs and N15.45 million in cash.

Mr Dantawaye thanked the Inspector General of Police, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, sister security agencies and residents for their support, reaffirming the command’s commitment to intelligence led policing, community engagement and decisive action against crime.

Also read: FCT Police foil bandit attack, neutralise criminals

He urged residents to continue providing timely information to security agencies, assuring them that the police would sustain operations to protect Abuja and its communities.