The targeted areas include SDP Junction, Gwagwalada, Lugbe Federal Housing, near Tipper Garage, Wuse Zone 5, near Access Bank and AYA Roundabout.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command said its operatives arrested eight suspects and recovered significant exhibits, during a coordinated raids across several hotspots within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

It was learnt that the operations were conducted by the Anti-Narcotics Unit of the command on Thursday, across several hotspots within the FCT known to harbour criminal activities related to the sale and consumption of illicit drugs.

The targeted areas include SDP Junction, Gwagwalada, Lugbe Federal Housing, near Tipper Garage, Wuse Zone 5, near Access Bank and AYA Roundabout.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, stated that the recent operation is part of ongoing efforts to rid the FCT of criminal elements and maintain public safety.

She noted that during the operation, suspects attempted to flee but were swiftly apprehended.

The statement reads in part, “On 23rd January 2025, operatives of the FCT Police Command, under the Anti-Narcotics Unit, successfully executed a series of coordinated raids targeting identified hotspots across the FCT. These locations were known to be used by criminal elements for the sale and consumption of illicit drugs and substances.

“The areas covered during the raids include: SDP Junction, Gwagwalada, Lugbe Federal Housing, by Tipper Garage, Wuse Zone 5, by Access Bank and AYA Roundabout.

“During the operation, suspects at the respective locations attempted to flee on sighting the police operatives but were swiftly pursued. This led to the arrest of eight (8) suspects and the recovery of the following exhibits: One hundred (100) rounds of live 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, a large quantity of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis, a substantial amount of encapsulated illicit drugs.

“These operations highlight the Command’s dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents. The FCT Police Command remains resolute in its fight against the menace of illicit drug activities within the Federal Capital Territory.

“The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, urges members of the public to continue supporting the police by reporting suspicious activities promptly. Reports can be made at the nearest Police station or through the Command’s emergency lines: 08032003913, 08028940883, CRU: 08107314192, PCB: 09022222352.”

A dramatic altercation between a Nigerian police officer and an Air Force officer on Thursday disrupted activities on Ahmadu Bello Road, Ilorin, Kwara State, following a dispute over the movement of a tricycle.

The incident reportedly began at Yoruba Road Market when officials from the Kwara State Traffic Management Authority (KWATMA), accompanied by police officers, stopped a tricycle carrying the Air Force officer.

An eyewitness who spoke with SaharaReporters revealed that the Air Force officer pleaded with the officials to allow the tricycle to pass. However, his plea allegedly provoked a slap from a police officer, sparking the altercation.

“The Air Force officer came down from the tricycle and retaliated by beating the police officer who slapped him,” the eyewitness recounted.

The confrontation quickly escalated, drawing a crowd and causing tension in the area. The Air Force officer was later arrested and taken to the nearby police headquarters, located close to the scene.

The matter worsened when the Air Force officer’s colleagues arrived at the location, leading to further clashes.

Eyewitnesses reported that as the confrontation intensified, the police resorted to firing tear gas to disperse the crowd and calm the situation.

“A tricycle carrying an Air Force officer to Ahmadu Bello Way was stopped by officials from the Kwara State Traffic Management Authority (KWATMA), accompanied by police officers.

“The Air Force officer pleaded with them to allow them to pass, but an unidentified police officer immediately slapped him. In retaliation, the Air Force officer struck back.

“The Air Force officer has been arrested at the Kwara Police Command headquarters. The police used tear gas against the Air Force officers who came to support their colleague after the incident,” the eyewitness reported.

The eyewitness noted that the police officers were stationed at the roundabout along Sulu Gambari Road, while the Air Force officers were on Yoruba Road.

“They were throwing tear gas at the Air Force officers before they left the scene. I heard that the Air Force officers went for reinforcement. Although everything is calm now,” the source said.

Kogi security operatives on Wednesday rescued three pastors and 13 other victims who had been kidnapped by hoodlums in the Ofu Local Government Area of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 16 victims, including the three pastors, were abducted after a crusade in Ejule, Ofu LGA.

They regained their freedom following the intervention of a combined team of security personnel in the state.

The pastors, who were guest ministers at the crusade, were on their way to their guest house after the second day of the three-day event.

They were ambushed by hoodlums around 11 p.m. on Monday, January 20, on a street off the Ejule-Anyigba road.

Upon being alerted, the Nigerian Army quickly mobilised other security operatives, launching a thorough search that lasted two nights before locating the kidnappers in a forest.

After a two-hour gunfight, the kidnappers fled with varying degrees of injury, leaving behind the victims.

Kogi’s Deputy Governor, Joel Salifu, on Wednesday lauded the bravery of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies involved in the rescue.

In a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Emmanuel Unubi, Salifu expressed his relief that the victims were safely freed and commended the security personnel for their efforts.

He also emphasised that under Gov. Ahmed Ododo, Kogi would not be a safe haven for criminals, noting the state’s commitment to maintaining security and protecting lives and property.(NAN)