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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command successfully recovered ₦409,992,000 from criminal elements throughout various operations in 2024.
In a report shared with journalists by spokesperson Josephine Adeh on Wednesday, the breakdown of the recovered amount showed ₦36,850,000 seized from kidnapping suspects, ₦68,552,000 from armed robbery suspects, ₦19,590,000 from burglary cases, and ₦285,000,000 from fraud-related activities.
Additionally, the report indicated that a total of 1,426 criminal cases were reported during the year, resulting in 1,077 arrests.
Fraud emerged as the most common crime, with 385 cases reported and 422 individuals arrested. Armed robbery followed closely, with 268 incidents leading to the arrest of 132 suspects. One-chance robbery placed third, with 263 cases and 71 arrests, while car theft came fourth with 127 cases and 64 arrests. Kidnapping rounded out the top five, with 104 cases and 216 arrests.
Other reported crimes included cybercrime, with 32 cases and 15 arrests, and homicide, which saw 68 cases and 78 arrests. Burglary accounted for 73 cases and 20 arrests, while cultism was linked to 38 cases and 59 arrests.
In terms of recovered items, the police command seized 376 firearms, including 13 AK-47 magazines and 187 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, 73 vehicles were recovered from car thefts, 24 from one-chance robberies, and 2 from cultism-related crimes. Compared to 2023, there was a 15.1% reduction in crime within the FCT. The police also rescued 68 kidnapping victims and 19 individuals targeted in one-chance robberies.
The report further noted that 140 police officers lost their lives in the line of duty, and 68 complaints were filed against personnel. Of these complaints, 58 officers were charged with misconduct, although no convictions were recorded.
Regarding legal proceedings, 38 individuals linked to kidnappings were charged, with 21 convicted. Similarly, 16 suspects involved in one-chance robberies were charged, with 11 convicted. For homicide, 32 suspects were charged and 8 convicted. In fraud cases, 178 suspects faced charges, with 58 convictions secured. In other crimes, such as cultism, burglary, and car theft, a total of 120 suspects were charged, with 56 convictions.
Looking ahead to 2025, Adeh outlined the command’s focus on enhancing community policing and executing targeted operations. She emphasized the importance of continued intelligence-led policing and public awareness efforts to address the evolving security challenges in the FCT.
“With a notable reduction in crime and a more peaceful environment, the FCT Police Command is dedicated to maintaining this progress and combating crime effectively in the coming year,” Adeh concluded.
