By FCT Police Commissioner, Sadiq Bello.
Residents of the FCT are aware of the recent security breach in the City that occurred on 2nd July, 2018 which claimed the lives of seven (7) Policemen at an Observation Post by Galadimawa Roundabout. It is unfortunate that some criminals find it expedient to attack Policemen that are on duty to protect lives and property. These men have paid the supreme sacrifice in the service of their Father Land, may their souls rest in peace.
This dastardly act will not deter the Police from performing its duties as enshrined in the Constitution, as such we are calling on members of the public to partner with the Police in order to solve these security challenges in the FCT. This they can do by obliging us with the necessary information that could lead to the arrest of the criminals. We owe it a duty to arrest these criminals in order to assuage the souls of these young men so that they don’t die in vain.
Investigation is on, we are leaving no stone unturned and by the grace of God, we shall succeed, these bad elements will be exposed for the whole world to see. The circumstances surrounding the incident is still very sketchy, however, we want to assure members of the public that we will do whatever is necessary to unravel the mystery surrounding the incident.
Another incident happened on 4/07/2018 at about 0300hrs when Policemen on Stop-And-Search duty at Ceddi Plaza Pindown intercepted a Toyota Camry car with sun roof. It was alleged that the lady, one Angela Igwetu stood up and brought out her head through the sun roof, shouting and calling out for help that she was kidnapped. The Policemen claimed that they flagged that vehicle down, but the driver refused to stop. This made the Police Inspector to open fire on the vehicle which unfortunately hit the lady in question; she was rushed to Garki Hospital where she eventually died. Police have taken necessary measures, the Policeman that opened fire has been arrested, necessary disciplinary procedures have been concluded. He has been dismissed from the Force and arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction and he is currently on remand awaiting commencement of trial.
I am appealing for calm and understanding from members of the public particularly, the family of the deceased that at the end of the day, justice will be done in this matter. The Nigeria Police, FCT Command does not condone act of irresponsibility and incivility or outright criminality on the part of its officers and men; they have always been admonished to be civil to members of the public and be professional in the conduct of their duties.
Furthermore, I wish to reassure residents of FCT that they should go about their lawful businesses without fear of molestation or harassment, their peace and security is guaranteed at all times. However, I wish to appeal to them to help the Police by availing us with necessary information that could lead to the arrest of criminals in the Territory.
I will like to also use this opportunity to present some of our achievements in the course of protecting lives and properties in the City.
On 19/06/2018, operatives of the Command Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) acting on tip-off arrested one Kabiru Adam 32yrs and Lawal Umar 40yrs who were identified as receivers of stolen/robbed cars from Abuja. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime and led the Police to Katsina State where five suspected stolen/robbed cars were recovered. The recovered exhibits are: one unregistered black colour Honda Accord, one unregistered red colour Nissan Sunny, one unregistered black colour Toyota Camry and two unregistered ash colour Toyota Corollas.
On 04/07/2018 at about 2000hrs, Police Operatives on Stop-and-Search duty along Tunganmaje-Zuba road arrested and recovered one locally-made single barrel gun from this gang of three: Pambolo Akusa 25yrs, Emmanuel Adams 33yrs and Aliyu Rabiu 22yrs while riding on a motorcycle. The suspects will be transferred to the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (CIID) for further investigation and eventual prosecution.
In addition, the Command Special Anti-Robbery Squad Operatives arrested two notorious receivers of stolen cars from Abuja. The suspects, Monday Oriyan and Emmanuel Onmonya have led the operatives to Makurdi and Kano where three cars were recovered. The recovered exhibits are: one light brown Toyota Camry with Reg. No. NTT 419 AA, one light brown colour Toyota Camry with Reg. No. YAB 699 GB and one unregistered ash colour Honda.
Lastly, I want to issue this security advisory to members of the public to be very careful when boarding public transport, particularly taxis. It is becoming increasingly risky for both passengers and owners of taxis. Incidences have been recorded where owners of taxis are dispossessed of their vehicles by criminals that enter taxis as passengers, and also passengers are robbed inside taxis by drivers and their accomplices. Members of the public should be alert, avoid going to obscure places at night.
Thank you very much, God bless.
Editor’s Note: Also on Friday, Police spokesman, Acting Deputy Commissioner Jimoh Moshood, announced that five suspects have been arrested in connection with the death of seven policemen at Galadimawa Round-about in the city.
His words: “As I speak with you, five arrests have been made in respect of the attacks and more arrests are being made.
“We will ensure that all the perpetrators that were involved in this heinous crime are apprehended”.