Police Arrest Armed Robbery Gang In Abuja

Police in the Federal Capital Territory have announced the arrest of 13 members of a notorious armed robbery syndicate linked to multiple violent robbery incidents across the Territory.

The suspects arrested are: Yahuya Hassan (21), Umar Shaibu a.k.a. Sarki (23), Adahu Ibrahim (25), Abubakar Sani (20), Abdulazeez Usani (20), Aliyu Aminu (21), Aliyu Adam (18), Sadisu Samilu (20), Ibrahim Usman a.k.a. Yellow Mai Target (20), Suleiman Yawala (21), Mohammed Ali (28), Sani Hamza (25) and Hassan Abba (19).

The operatives of the command’s Scorpion Squad, led by ACP Victor Godfrey conducted intelligence-driven operations in Apo-Waru and Durumi, between January 10 through 12, 2026 following complaints from victims of armed robbery in Asokoro, Mabushi and Utako.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh said acting on credible intelligence, the operatives traced the suspects to their hideout in Durumi, where the gang opened fire on the Police team.

According to her, the operatives responded decisively and overpowered the suspects, leading to the arrest of eight members of the syndicate.

Further follow-up operations led the team to a second hideout in Apo-Waru, where another exchange of gunfire occurred, resulting in the arrest of an additional five suspects.

The police further explained that the suspects were positively identified through CCTV footage obtained from one of their recent robbery operations, which provided critical evidence that aided their arrest.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate was responsible for a series of violent robberies in Gwagwalada, Apo, Waru, Jahi, Wuse, and other parts of the FCT,” SP Adeh added.

Notable incidents linked to the gang include the robbery at Dan-Shade Hotel, Gwagwalada, where victims were dispossessed of cash, foreign currency, and phones, and a vigilante operative was disarmed; the robbery at Hi-Test Travel Lodge, Wuse Zone 6, during which a Police officer sustained serious injuries and a vehicle was stolen; and the robbery at Khole Home Apartment, Jahi, affecting residents, including security aides attached to the Executive Governor of Kebbi State.

Items recovered from the suspects include: one grey Toyota Corolla (2015) with registration number ABC 200 GP, one AK-47 rifle, one locally fabricated rifle, one Jericho 941 pistol, 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, seven rounds of 9mm live ammunition, assorted iPhones, one hundred US dollars in one-dollar denominations, and assorted charms.