The Federal Capital area (FCT) police command has arrested 23 people in connection with rape, armed robbery, car theft, and other crimes committed in the area.
Mr Haruna Garba, the FCT Commissioner of Police, stated this during a media briefing in Abuja.
He stated that nine of the defendants were arrested for one count of robbery, two for rape, and twelve for armed robbery.
The CP said five vehicles, five firearms, and 12 live rounds of ammunition were recovered from the suspects.
Garba said that, going by the arrests and recoveries for November, it was clear that crime had dropped significantly in the territory in December.
“I wish to bring to the attention of the general public that there are some mischief-makers out there posting items on social media that the FCT is not safe and that one-chance operators have taken over the FCT.
“This is not true. I can say without any fear of contradiction that FCT is the safest city in Nigeria.
Many Nigerians are coming in droves to FCT to reside and do business due to the prevailing peace and security in the city.
“It is unfortunate that someone is leveraging social media to misinform the entire populace that FCT is not safe.
“Those behind the fake news should be mindful of the fact that Nigeria is the only country that we call our own,” he said.
He said the target of the mischief-makers was to create fear and apprehension in the minds of the people and, of course, investors who would want to come to Nigeria to invest.
“Christmas was celebrated peacefully without any serious security breaches. The Millennium Park, Magic Land (Amusement Park), and other recreational facilities, places of worship, and other key/vulnerable points were adequately protected.
“There was no single incident of any kind reported. The same strategies that were put in place during the Christmas period will be replicated during the New Year festival.
I wish to assure all law-abiding residents of the FCT that the police are with you to see to your protection and attend to all your security concerns,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that 43 suspects were arrested by operatives of the command for various criminal offences in November, and three stolen vehicles, five firearms, and 30 live rounds of ammunition were recovered, with one suspected kidnapper neutralised within the period.