A suspected armed robbery gang operating in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has been intercepted by police operatives in a joint tactical operation led by the Scorpion Squad, resulting in the death of one suspect and the arrest of seven others.

The gang, which had been under surveillance for its involvement in multiple robbery and carjacking cases, was intercepted following intelligence that they planned to target a victim in the Maitama area on May 19. Acting on this information, police operatives moved in early and engaged the suspects on May 15.

During the operation, the suspects reportedly opened fire on officers, prompting a shootout in which Abdulmininu Bello, also known as Babanle, was killed. Seven others were arrested at the scene. The arrested suspects include Ibrahim Muhammad, 22, an ex-convict from Kebbi State; Abubakar Abdullahi, 22, and Sarajo Yusuf, 20, both from Plateau State; Isiaka Adamu, an ex-convict from Bauchi State; Abdullahi Isah, 18, identified as an escaped detainee from Bauchi; Sanusi Ali, 51, from Kano State; and Abubakar Sani from Plateau.

FCT Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh confirmed the incident, stating that two suspects, including the alleged gang leader Solomon Bawa, also known as Pastor Mogu, fled with gunshot wounds.

“The FCT Command calls on members of the public who may have come across anyone with suspicious injuries to report the same to the Police for prompt investigations,” Adeh said.

She added that all arrested suspects are in custody and will be charged in court after investigations are concluded.

Items recovered from the suspects include a 2004 Toyota Camry LE, a red Boxer motorcycle, two locally made pistols with ten rounds of 9mm ammunition, four AK-47 rifles and magazines, eleven rounds of 7.62 ammunition, and one locally made shotgun.

According to police, the suspects admitted to being part of a syndicate that targets owners of SUVs and luxury cars, often through nighttime ambushes or false pretences.

Investigations revealed they coordinated their operations via a WhatsApp group and relied on insider tips from domestic workers.

The suspects also disclosed that they had sold a distinctively painted Toyota Camry for ₦700,000 and a Lexus SUV for ₦1 million. They further confessed to the killing of an MTN staff member in Kaduna in 2015.

FCT Commissioner of Police commended the team involved for their efforts and restated the Command’s determination to address violent crime in the territory.

Residents have been advised to report suspicious activity or emergencies using the Command’s emergency lines: 08032003913, 08028940883, 07057337653, or the Complaint Response Unit at 08107314192.