Police kill nine criminals in FCT, lose six officers in three months

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has disclosed that nine armed criminals were killed during gun battles with operatives, while six police officers lost their lives in the line of duty between October and December 2025.

The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Miller Dantawaye, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Abuja, where he presented the scorecard of the command for the last quarter of 2025.

According to Dantawaye, the criminals were neutralised during high-risk anti-kidnapping and armed robbery operations after engaging police operatives in gun duels while attempting to escape or abduct victims.

“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 said the period under review was also marked by painful losses, as six police officers paid the supreme price while carrying out their lawful duties to protect lives and property in 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.”

The commissioner noted that despite the losses, the command recorded significant operational successes, including the arrest of 160 suspects from 300 reported cases across various crime categories.

He said kidnapping incidents stood at seven cases, leading to the arrest of 41 suspects, while 62 armed robbery cases 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 noted that 24 kidnapped victims, including women and children, were rescued from criminal hideouts and forest locations, while eight victims of “one-chance” robbery and other violent crimes were also rescued.

He further disclosed that 96 suspects were charged to court within the period, with 60 convictions secured so far, while other cases are still undergoing prosecution.

The commissioner said the command recovered a large cache of arms and exhibits, including 21 AK-47 rifles, 10 shotguns, one K2 rifle, locally fabricated firearms, live ammunition, vehicles, illicit drugs, a cash sum of N15.45m and other items linked to criminal activities.

While thanking the Inspector-General of Police, the Minister of the FCT, sister security agencies and residents, Dantawaye reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, community engagement and sustained operations to address security challenges in the territory.

He also urged residents to continue to support the police with timely information, assuring them of the command’s resolve to maintain peace and security across the FCT.

The Federal Capital Territory has, in recent years, faced persistent security challenges linked to its status as Nigeria’s political and administrative hub and its proximity to several states affected by criminal activities. Incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery, “one-chance” robbery and car theft have posed concerns for residents and authorities.

In response, the Nigeria Police Force has intensified intelligence-led operations, community policing and inter-agency collaboration in the FCT.