The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command says its operative have arrested 70 suspects following a viral video alleging a robbery incident around Unity Fountain in the Maitama area of Abuja.
Earlier on Monday, a resident alleged in a video circulating on social media that he was robbed of his gold necklace while attempting to drive out of the Millennium Park after attending a church programme.
Josephine Adeh, FCT police spokesperson, said in a statement on Monday that Ahmed Sanusi, FCT commissioner of police, ordered an immediate and comprehensive raid of identified blackspots around Unity Fountain and its environs.
Adeh said the directive was aimed at identifying and apprehending persons connected to the alleged robbery.
She said police operatives attached to the Maitama division conducted coordinated raids across identified criminal flashpoints, leading to the arrest of 70 suspects.
“Following preliminary screening and due process, 30 of the suspects were screened and released, while 40 suspects were retained in custody for further investigation,” the statement reads.
Adeh said during the investigation, the victim positively identified two of the suspects as persons he recognised from the incident.
She said the two suspects, alongside other persons retained in custody, are currently being investigated as the police expand their probe to identify and apprehend anyone else who may be connected to the offence.
The command urged residents to remain security-conscious and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest police station.
Adeh said residents can also contact the command through its emergency numbers: 08032003913 and 08061581938.
