…FCT Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, Highlights Success of Scorpion Squad
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command struck a major blow against armed crime, killing two robbers and arresting four others during a series of strategic operations in the Jahi area of Abuja. The command’s Scorpion Squad, renowned for its rapid response and precision, also dismantled a car-snatching syndicate, capturing five suspects and recovering 13 stolen vehicles.
FCT Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, paraded the suspects on Wednesday in Abuja, outlining the events that unfolded during the October 21 confrontation in Jahi. Responding swiftly to a distress call, police units encountered a group of armed robbers who immediately opened fire. Disu reported, “Upon sighting the police patrol vehicle, the suspects opened fire, and in the ensuing confrontation, two suspects were neutralized.”
The police recovered two vehicles from the scene and arrested suspects Haruna Abdullahi, 32, from Ikara in Kaduna State, and Yerima Usman, 28, from Itoro in Bauchi State. A follow-up operation on October 23 led to the arrest of two additional gang members, Abba Ismail, known as “Dan-Abba,” and Ashiru Suleiman, both of whom had initially evaded capture. The suspects confessed to belonging to a gang led by Dan Auwalu, still at large, and admitted to multiple robberies in Abuja’s Mabushi, Jahi, and Gishiri districts.
Car Snatching Syndicate Dismantled
In a parallel crackdown, police arrested three men tied to a notorious car-snatching syndicate operating across Abuja, Garki, and other regions. The suspects, Arji Thomas, 32, from Borno; Amobi Ndukwe, 40, from Enugu; and Amaechi Sampson, 26, from Imo, were apprehended while attempting to sell a stolen Toyota Corolla with registration number KTW 2155D. Notably, Thomas and Ndukwe are ex-convicts, with a long record of vehicle thefts in Abuja.
Disu stated, “During interrogation, the suspects admitted to targeting high-traffic areas in Garki for car thefts over the last year and a half. Their leader, Chidiebere, remains on the run.”
Car Theft Ring Spanning Abuja, Jos, and Nasarawa
The police also busted a cross-state car theft ring after receiving a report from Philemon Olaoluwa, whose mechanic at the Apo Mechanic Village had stolen his 2006 Honda Accord and transported it to Jos. Disu detailed that a police team traced the vehicle to Jos, where they arrested Joseph Abang, who confessed to receiving stolen vehicles, remodeling them, and reselling them. A search at his residence led to the recovery of additional stolen vehicles, including a Hyundai Accent and a Peugeot 208. Abang now faces imminent court charges.
Security Guard Flees After Stealing Boss’s Toyota Hilux
Another case showcased the role of an inside accomplice: Usman Abubakar, a newly hired security guard, allegedly stole a Toyota Hilux belonging to his employer, Mr. Frank Udah, just three days after his employment began. Preliminary investigations revealed that Abubakar absconded to Nasarawa State with the vehicle, transferring it to two accomplices who are now in custody for an unrelated crime. While the Hilux has been recovered, efforts to capture Abubakar continue.
Disu reaffirmed the FCT Command’s dedication to public safety, pledging relentless pursuit of the remaining suspects. “The success of these operations underscores our commitment to eradicating criminal elements from our communities and ensuring the safety of Abuja residents,” he emphasized.