The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Police Command has arrested about 300 suspects during raids on crime-prone areas, shanties and uncompleted buildings across Abuja.

The operation, carried out at the weekend, aimed at identifying and disrupting criminal activities in locations suspected to serve as hideouts for criminals.

The command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, saying the exercise was part of measures to “prevent crime, disrupt criminal activities and enhance the safety and security of residents.”

“The operation, carried out across various locations, led to the raid of several identified criminal hideouts, with approximately 300 persons taken into custody for screening. Items recovered during the operation include knives, a toy gun, cannabis and other illicit drugs,” the statement reads.

“The suspects are currently undergoing thorough screening and profiling.

“Those found to have committed offences will be appropriately charged to court in accordance with the law, while persons found to have no case to answer will be released after due screening.

The Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Ahmed Sanusi, said the command would maintain intelligence-driven raids and other proactive policing measures across the territory.

He said particular attention would be given to areas identified through intelligence as possible criminal hideouts.

Sanusi also warned youths and other residents about the dangers associated with the use and abuse of illicit drugs.

According to him, substance abuse can affect judgement, encourage violent or criminal conduct and increase security threats within communities.

The commissioner advised individuals battling drug-related challenges to seek counselling and rehabilitation services rather than allow substance abuse to push them into criminal activities.

Sanusi further directed police officers to conduct raids and arrests professionally, warning that such operations must not be used to extort, intimidate or harass members of the public.

He said any officer found demanding money or engaging in other forms of misconduct would be subjected to appropriate disciplinary measures.

The Katsina State Community Watch Corps has reportedly captured Samagi, a top commander in the bandit network led by notorious kingpin Kachalla Maha in Katsina State.

The group was reportedly responsible for the death of former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd.).

Samagi was apprehended alongside another associate.

Samagi’s gang has been linked to several brutal attacks across the Matazu area of the state.

The development came a few days after Katsina vigilantes arrested two suspected ammunition suppliers to Kachalla Maha.

Meanwhile, bandits have continued to terrorise the North-West region amid worsening insecurity, with kidnappings and killings recorded in parts of the region.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, on Saturday lost one of its officers while another is battling for his life after they reportedly jumped into the River Ethiope while pursuing fleeing suspects in Obiaruku, Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State.

The drug enforcement operation, however, turned fatal after the body of one of the officers was later recovered from the river.

The suspect and others being pursued reportedly escaped through the river.

Report quote community sources, as saying that a suspected drug offender who had reportedly been apprehended on the other side of the river jumped into the water while being taken towards the River Ethiope Bridge in an attempt to escape.

The officers pursuing the suspect subsequently entered the river in an effort to apprehend him. One of the officers reportedly drowned, while another was rescued and taken to a hospital for medical attention.

Community sources said traditional rites associated with drowning incidents in Obiaruku were performed before the remains were released to the relevant authorities.

Report said the rites included the provision of a goat and other items.