Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
THE Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested about 300 people for screening following a massive raid on identified crime flashpoints, shanties and uncompleted buildings across the territory.
The operation, conducted on Saturday, 19 September 2026, was part of the command’s efforts to prevent crime, disrupt criminal activities and strengthen security across the FCT.
According to a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, police officers raided several locations identified as potential criminal hideouts during the operation.
Items recovered included knives, a toy gun, cannabis and other illicit drugs.
The command said the approximately 300 people arrested were undergoing screening and profiling to establish whether they had committed any offences.
It added that those found to have committed offences would be charged to court in accordance with the law, while those found to have no case to answer would be released after the completion of the screening process.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, said the command would continue to conduct intelligence-led raids and proactive policing operations across the territory, particularly in locations identified as potential hideouts for criminals.
Sanusi also warned youths and other residents against the use and abuse of illicit drugs, saying substance abuse could impair judgement, contribute to violent and criminal behaviour and expose individuals and communities to security risks.
He urged people struggling with drug use to seek appropriate counselling and rehabilitation support rather than allowing substance abuse to lead them into criminal activities.
The commissioner also directed police officers involved in such operations to conduct themselves professionally and strictly within the law.
He warned officers against using raids and arrests as opportunities for extortion, intimidation, harassment or unlawful demands for money.
According to him, any officer found engaging in such misconduct would face appropriate disciplinary action.
The FCT Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and appealed to residents to continue providing credible and timely information about suspicious activities and suspected criminal hideouts in their communities.
The command urged members of the public requiring emergency assistance or possessing useful security information to contact it on 08032003913.
