By Adenike Lawal
In a major breakthrough against crime in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), police operatives have arrested a suspected leader of a robbery and kidnapping syndicate terrorizing Abuja and surrounding areas.
The arrest took place in the early hours of Saturday, June 28, during a routine patrol by officers from the Garki Police Division around the Area 8 Banking Arena.
The patrol team intercepted a suspicious convoy consisting of a Toyota 4Runner SUV and a Toyota Corolla sedan.
According to eyewitnesses and police sources, two occupants of the Corolla fled the scene upon spotting the officers, abandoning their vehicle.
However, the driver of the SUV, later identified as 35-year-old Chukwudi Nwodu, resisted arrest, leading to a brief confrontation before he was overpowered and detained.
A search of the SUV revealed several dangerous items including a sharp axe, poisonous spear, combat knife, black face mask, three walkie-talkies, and a military-style beret, suggesting planned violent operations and possible impersonation.
The police have launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects and are interrogating Nwodu to uncover the extent of the gang’s activities, which may be linked to recent kidnappings and robberies in the FCT.
Authorities described the arrest as a crucial step toward dismantling criminal networks and restoring public safety in the capital.
