The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested 71 suspected criminals in a coordinated operation targeting violent crime, drug abuse, and other illegal activities across Abuja.
The raids, conducted on September 8, focused on black spots, uncompleted buildings, and suspected criminal hideouts in areas such as Gwagwalada, Kubwa, Nyanya, Apo, Karmo, Maitama, Mabushi, Dawaki, Galadima, Asokoro, Karu, Jikwoyi, Mpape, Lokogoma, and Utako. Police recovered quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit substances. The suspects are currently undergoing screening and interrogation, with charges to follow where applicable.
These operations come amid growing public concern over rising insecurity in the FCT.
Tragically, a separate incident occurred on Monday night involving the death of a female accountant, Kasham Thomas, an employee of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria. Her body was discovered with stab wounds inside her car along 35 Road in Gwarinpa. Police from the Gwarinpa division found a knife—believed to be the murder weapon—and an Apple Watch in the vehicle. Her remains were taken to Kubwa General Hospital after her family was notified.
According to relatives, Thomas had visited the Karshi community to pick up her two children ahead of school resumption. She later dropped them off at her home in Lugbe before heading out again, promising to return shortly. That was the last time she was seen alive.
In another case on September 9, police from the Byazhin Division rescued 40-year-old Mary Moore, who was allegedly abducted in Keffi, Nasarawa State. She was found wandering in the Byazhin area and told investigators her abductors rendered her unconscious with a sprayed substance before robbing her. She has since been transferred to the FCT Administration for medical care.
Also on September 9, police in Gwagwalada began investigating the death of a 24-year-old woman, Ebubechukwu Sunday Kelechi, who died at her fiancé’s home. Preliminary findings suggest she had been ill with malaria. While no signs of violence were found, her fiancé remains in custody as investigations continue.
That same day, authorities in the Ibwa 1 area of Gwagwalada discovered the decomposing body of an unidentified mentally challenged man. The body was buried according to local customs after consultations with community leaders.
In Durumi 2, residents were left in shock following the discovery of the body of a day-old baby abandoned behind the Assembly of God Church. The infant was confirmed dead at a local Primary Health Centre and also buried in line with tradition.
While the arrest of 71 suspects reflects the FCT Police Command’s intensified efforts to combat crime, security analysts and community leaders emphasize the need for deeper community engagement and collaboration to effectively tackle the root causes of violence, drug abuse, and social breakdown in Abuja.
