The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested six suspected armed robbers believed to be behind a series of violent attacks on nightclubs and recreational centres across Abuja.
The arrests were made on Friday, January 17, 2026, at about 5:45 p.m., following a discreet, intelligence-led operation coordinated by the command’s tactical teams.
Confirming the development in a statement on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the operation was carried out on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye.
According to her, the Commissioner ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to immediately move against the criminal gang after receiving credible intelligence on their activities.
Acting on the directive, DCP Aliyu Abubakar deployed a covert operation led by the Commander of the Scorpion Squad, ACP Victor Godfrey, which resulted in the successful raid of the suspects’ hideout at Dakwa in the Dei-Dei area of the FCT.
“The team tracked and raided the gang’s hideout, where the suspects were apprehended while planning a fresh attack,” the statement said.
The suspects arrested were identified as Suleiman Magaji (25), Abdullahi Abubakar (20), Abubakar Shitu ‘M’ (25), Sani Ibrahim (17), Rabiu Dahiru (19), and Ahmen Abdullahi (26).
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were responsible for several armed robbery incidents within the FCT, including a recent attack at Crystal Lounge in Wuse II. During the incident, a hotel guest was reportedly robbed of gold jewellery valued at approximately ₦15 million, which the suspects later sold for ₦1.2 million.
Items recovered from the suspects include a black toy gun, local charms, long and short knives, as well as 42 bags of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis sativa.
SP Adeh said the suspects and recovered exhibits are currently in police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Commending the officers involved in the operation, CP Dantawaye praised their professionalism and gallantry, while also appreciating members of the public for providing timely information that aided the arrests.
He further urged residents of the FCT to remain vigilant and security-conscious, and to promptly report suspicious activities or persons through the command’s emergency communication channels.
Abuja Police Bust Armed Robbery Gang Behind Nightclub Attacks, Arrest Six Suspects
