Abuja Residents on High Alert as Police Intensify Security Over Alleged Bandit Threat.
Abuja, Nigeria – Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are gripped with fear following reports of an imminent bandit invasion. In response, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, Benneth Igweh, has ramped up security, deploying officers and assets across the city to prevent any potential attack.
The alarm was raised via a widely circulated WhatsApp message on Sunday and Monday, detailing the movement of bandits allegedly led by Ardo, a sub-commander under the notorious bandit leader, Boderi Yellow Mai One Million. The message warned that these bandits, originating from the Kweri Forest in Kagarko, Kaduna State, were heading towards the Gauraka/Kubwa Hills area of the FCT.
Part of the broadcast read: “There is a movement of bandits led by Ardo, a sub-commander of Boderi Yellow Mai One Million. They are coming from Kweri Forest, Kagarko, Kaduna State. Their destination is Gauraka/Kubwa Hills, FCT.”
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The alert followed the escape of Inusa Lawal, an 18-year-old male who had been kidnapped in Ushafa along with others at Dawaki on 19th May 2024. Lawal, who managed to escape on 2nd June 2024, revealed during interrogation that the bandits had ten hostages at their camp, including those kidnapped from Dawaki and Dakwa. Intelligence reports suggested that Ardo and ten gang members had moved towards the FCT, although their mission remains unclear.
The broadcast urged security forces to collaborate and intensify patrols, especially around the Bwari Area Council, and highlighted potential targets in the Kubwa, Zuba, and Mpape areas.
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It also mentioned that Ardo and his gang were frustrated by the victims’ families’ refusal to pay ransoms and were desperate for funds ahead of the upcoming Sallah celebration.
Reacting to these developments, FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, released a statement on Monday. She confirmed that the police were aware of the social media reports and assured residents that the police command was taking proactive measures.
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“The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to a publication making the rounds on social media on the alleged entry of some suspected bandits into the Federal Capital Territory,” Adeh stated.
She conveyed the Commissioner of Police’s appreciation for the public’s vigilance and urged residents to continue providing useful information to aid in combating insecurity. “The Commissioner of Police FCT, Benneth Igweh, wishes to appreciate members of the public for their outstanding environmental alertness and admonishes the general public to always give useful information to the police to aid its efforts in the fight against insecurity within the state,” she added.
Adeh reassured residents that there was no need for panic. “He therefore urges residents to go about their lawful business without fear from any quarter, as the command has made all necessary deployments of both material and physical assets, and is working assiduously to ensure the safety of all residents and avert any intended attack within the nation’s capital,” she concluded.
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