By Oluwasore Alabi
On September 8, 2025, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command arrested 71 suspects during a coordinated operation across several districts of Abuja, including Gwagwalada, Kubwa, Nyanya, Apo, and Maitama. The raids targeted known criminal hideouts and black spots, leading to the recovery of substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs. The suspects are currently undergoing screening and interrogation, with those found guilty expected to face prosecution.
This large-scale operation, which covered at least 15 divisions across the territory, came in response to growing reports of criminal activity in the capital. It also reflects efforts by security agencies to restore public confidence and ensure safety in the face of rising security challenges.
While this decisive action by the police is commendable, it also raises important questions about what happens next. Arresting suspected criminals is only the beginning. Without follow through in the courts and investment in long term solutions, the impact of these efforts may not last.
The rescue of a missing 40 year old woman, Ms. Mary Moore, by officers in Byazhin, and the professional handling of two separate deaths in Gwagwalada, one involving an unidentified man and another a young woman named Ebubechukwu Sunday Kelechi show that the police are not only reacting to crime but also responding sensitively to complex cases. These examples highlight the importance of a well-equipped and well-trained police force.
However, enforcement must go hand in hand with prevention. Many suspects arrested in such raids are often young people trapped in cycles of poverty, unemployment, and drug abuse. Tackling crime means tackling these root causes through education, jobs, mental health support, and inclusive community development.
The police have taken a strong step, but it must not end there. For lasting peace and safety in Abuja, security must be seen as a shared responsibility, one that includes government, law enforcement, civil society, and the residents themselves.
Follow us on all social media platforms @dailyquery for news and analyses around the globe.
