245 arrested as police round up crime suspects now undergoing profiling and screening preparatory to prosecution
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Up to 245 crime suspects have been rounded up as police intensify a crackdown on illegal activities.in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
A statement issued by FCT Police Command Josephine Adeh said between February 6 and February 23 officers conducted a series of intelligence-led raid operations on criminal hideouts, abandoned buildings, and black spots across the city.
She disclosed that the operations were executed with a focus on crime-prone areas including Kurudu, Dutse Alhaji, Karshi, Kubwa, Apo, Wuye, Galadimawa, Iddo, Kuje, Zuba, Asokoro, Karu, and Byazhin, and which led to the arrests.
Adeh said the suspects are undergoing profiling and screening, and those found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
She listed items recovered from them to include a substantial cache of dangerous weapons, illicit substances, and items linked to criminal activities, including a large quantity of dried leaves suspected to be marijuana.
Also recovered are three axes and three machetes, six small tubes of glue, five handmade bongs (materials associated with substance abuse), eight pairs of scissors, five identity cards, and various pills suspected to be illicit substances.
Police officers reject N1m bribe, arrest traffickers, rescue children
Elsewhere, police also recently recorded a feat as officers arrested two suspected child traffickers and rescued two stolen children in separate operations in Owerri, after rejecting a N1 million bribe in one of the operations.
Imo Police Command spokesman Henry Okoye explained in a statement that the bribe was rejected to show a strong display of professionalism and ensure justice.
Okoye recounted that “On February 21, operatives of the Safer Highway Unit, while conducting a robust stop-and-search on the Owerri-Aba Express Road, apprehended one Eze Chika, 45.
“The suspect was found with a stolen four-year-old child.
“Initially, she claimed the child was hers but later admitted to purchasing the child from a suspected child trafficking syndicate in Aba for N1.8 million.”
To evade arrest, Okoye added, the suspect offered the officers N1 million bribe, which they rejected and proceeded with the arrest and rescued the child.
Further investigation shows possible links to a larger trafficking network and more arrests are expected, he stressed.
Okoye also disclosed that detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) arrested a 32-year-old woman, Confidence Odo, for allegedly abducting her former neighbour’s son on February 4 while the kid was playing in the compound of his home.
“The child was rescued and reunited with his parents, Mr and Mrs Michael Ududiri, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend possible accomplices.”
He reiterated the command’s commitment to combating child trafficking and other organised crimes in Imo, urging urged residents, particularly parents, to be vigilant and monitor their children closely.
Okoye implored the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or call any of the following numbers: 0803 477 3600 and 0814 802 4755.
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