The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has revealed that nine armed criminals were killed during armed confrontations with police operatives, while six officers lost their lives in active service between October and December 2025.
The Commissioner of Police for the FCT, Miller Dantawaye, made this known on Friday at a press briefing held at the command’s headquarters in Abuja, where he presented the police performance report for the final quarter of 2025.
Dantawaye explained that the suspects were neutralised during dangerous anti-kidnapping and armed robbery operations after engaging officers in gunfights while attempting to flee, abduct victims, or evade arrest.
“During several high-risk operations within the period under review, particularly anti-kidnapping and response to robbery operations, nine armed suspects were neutralised following gun duels with police operatives while attempting to evade arrest or take away hostages,” he said.
He noted that the review period was also characterised by tragic losses, as six police officers died while performing their lawful duties to safeguard lives and property within the Federal Capital Territory.
Dantawaye said, “It is with deep respect that the command records that six police officers paid the supreme price in the line of duty during the period under review.
“Their sacrifices remain a solemn reminder of the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to the protection of lives and property. May their souls rest in peace.”
Despite the losses, the commissioner stated that the command achieved notable operational successes, including the arrest of 160 suspects out of about 300 reported cases spanning different crime categories.
He disclosed that seven kidnapping cases led to the arrest of 41 suspects, while 62 armed robbery incidents resulted in 38 arrests.
“In addition, 26 ‘one-chance’ robbery cases were recorded, with 12 suspects arrested, while 35 cases of car theft and vehicle snatching led to the arrest of 11 suspects and the recovery of 20 stolen vehicles, ” he added.
Dantawaye further said that 24 kidnapped victims—among them women and children—were rescued from criminal camps and forest hideouts. He added that eight victims of “one-chance” robbery and other violent crimes were also successfully rescued.
He also revealed that 96 suspects were arraigned in court during the period, with 60 convictions already secured, while other cases remain at various stages of prosecution.
The commissioner reported the recovery of a substantial number of weapons and exhibits, including 21 AK-47 rifles, 10 shotguns, one K2 rifle, locally made firearms, live ammunition, vehicles, illicit drugs, cash amounting to ₦15.45 million, and other items connected to criminal activity.
While expressing gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police, the Minister of the FCT, sister security agencies, and residents, Dantawaye reiterated the command’s dedication to intelligence-driven policing, community participation, and sustained security operations to tackle crime in the territory.
He also appealed to residents to continue providing timely and useful information to the police, assuring them of the command’s determination to maintain peace and security across the FCT.
In recent years, the Federal Capital Territory has continued to grapple with security challenges due to its role as Nigeria’s political and administrative centre and its proximity to states affected by criminal activities. Crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, “one-chance” robbery, and car theft have remained major concerns.
To address these issues, the Nigeria Police Force has strengthened intelligence-led strategies, community policing efforts, and collaboration with other security agencies within the FCT.
