The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reported the loss of 140 officers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during 2024.
In an end-of-year statement summarising the force’s activities from January to December 2024, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, disclosed that some officers lost their lives due to incidents involving Shiites, violent protests, and high blood pressure in Abuja.
He further stated that some officers passed away while sleeping, while others collapsed and died while on duty.
Disu assured that the families of the deceased officers had received their entitlements and support, as directed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.
“The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), situated at the heart of the Federation and bordered by Niger, Kaduna, Kogi, and Nasarawa States, serves as Nigeria’s political and business hub. Its unique position attracts a diverse population, including individuals with both legitimate and illegitimate intentions,” the statement read.
At the start of 2024, the FCT faced notable security challenges across its six area councils, including banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, car theft, “one-chance” robbery, illegal firearms possession, homicides, and other violent crimes.
Highlighting the command’s accomplishments, Disu reported that 1,426 cases were recorded in 2024, resulting in 1,077 arrests. These included 104 robbery cases with 216 suspects arrested, 268 firearms-related cases with 132 suspects arrested, and 263 “one-chance” robbery cases with 71 suspects apprehended.
He also enumerated other achievements, including significant recoveries made during the year.
Looking ahead to 2025, Disu emphasised plans to build on the successes of the past year by intensifying community policing engagements, employing intelligence-led strategies, conducting targeted clearance operations, and initiating public enlightenment campaigns to address the evolving security challenges within the FCT.
