Police reinforce security in response to reports of bandits invading the Federal Capital Territory

In response to a reported planned bandit invasion, Benneth Igweh, the Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory, has sent personnel, along with material and physical assets, around Abuja.

According to a message that went viral on the popular messaging platform WhatsApp on Sunday and Monday, there was a bandit movement headed by Ardo, a sub-commander of the well-known bandit leader Boderi Yellow Mau One Million.

The WhatsApp broadcast read in part, “There is the 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.

“Sir, following the escape of one Inusa Lawal, Male, 18yrs from the camp (picture attached). He was one of those kidnapped in Ushafa along with others at Dawaki on 19/05/2024. He escaped from their custody today 2/6/2024 at about 06:00hrs.

“During interrogation, he confirmed that the bandits had 10 hostages including him in their camp. He also said that the victims kidnapped from Dawaki and Dakwa are all in the camp. Intelligence from our sources confirmed that Ardo led 10 of his gang members from the Camp to FCT since yesterday night.”

The message added, “Their mission in FCT is not clear, however, in view of the above, there is a need for security forces to collaborate in the operation already in place to the hills (Kubwa-Gauraka Hills) today,”

Security agencies were also advised to step up patrols throughout the Bwari local council and its environs by the security warning.

It added, “In view of this movement, it is clear that Ardo and his Gang have potential targets in Kubwa, Zuba and Mpape General Area. Additional sources confirmed that Ardo is frustrated that the families of the victims refused to pay the ransoms demanded by them. They are really in need of funds for the upcoming Sallah reason why they are now becoming more desperate.”

The FCT Police people Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, responded to the development in a statement on Monday. She stated that CP Igweh cautions the people to always provide the police with helpful information to support their efforts in combating insecurity within the territory.

Adeh said, “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.

“Consequent to the above, 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.

“He therefore urges residents to go about their lawful business without fear from any quarters, 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.”