The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested approximately 300 persons following raids on identified crime flashpoints, shanties and incomplete buildings across the FCT.
The command said the operation was carried out on Saturday, September 19, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to prevent crime, disrupt criminal activities and improve the safety of residents.
The operation targeted locations identified by the police as potential hideouts for criminals.
According to the FCT Police Command, operatives raided several identified criminal hideouts during the exercise.
Items recovered included knives, a toy gun, cannabis and other illicit drugs.
Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, disclosed the development in a statement issued at the command’s headquarters in Abuja and shared on the command’s X account on Sunday.
She said the approximately 300 persons taken into custody were undergoing screening and profiling.
Adeh stressed that those found to have committed offences would be charged to court in accordance with the law, while those found to have no case to answer would be released after the screening process.
The command said the arrests did not automatically mean that all those taken into custody had committed offences.
The suspects are currently undergoing what the police described as thorough screening and profiling to determine their individual circumstances.
According to the command, persons linked to offences will face prosecution, while those against whom no case is established will be released.
The approach is intended to distinguish between individuals allegedly involved in criminal activities and those found at the locations during the raids without sufficient evidence linking them to offences.
FCT Commissioner of Police Ahmed Sanusi said the command would sustain intelligence-led raids and proactive policing operations across the territory.
He said particular attention would be paid to locations identified as potential criminal hideouts.
Sanusi also advised youths and other residents of the FCT to avoid the use and abuse of illicit drugs.
According to the police commissioner, substance abuse can impair judgment, contribute to violent and criminal behaviour and expose individuals and communities to security risks.
He urged people struggling with drug use to seek counselling and rehabilitation support rather than allowing substance abuse to contribute to criminal activities.
The commissioner also cautioned police officers participating in raids and arrests against misconduct.
Sanusi warned that police operations must not be used as an opportunity for extortion, intimidation, harassment or unlawful demands for money.
He said officers found engaging in such conduct would face appropriate disciplinary action.
The warning comes as the command continues to conduct raids and other proactive security operations across the FCT.
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The FCT Police Command called on residents to provide credible and timely information about suspicious activities and suspected criminal hideouts within their communities.
The command said cooperation from residents remained important to its efforts to protect lives and property across the Federal Capital Territory.
For emergencies or useful security information, the police provided the emergency contact number 08032003913.
The FCT Police Command said investigations and screening of the approximately 300 persons arrested during the September 19 operation are ongoing. Those found to have committed offences will be prosecuted, while those cleared of wrongdoing will be released.