The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command revealed that 140 officers lost their lives in active service during 2024, reflecting the challenges of maintaining security in the nation’s capital. This was disclosed in a year-end report issued by the command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, detailing the achievements and challenges faced during the year.
According to the report, the command handled 1,426 cases, resulting in the arrest of 1,077 suspects involved in crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, cybercrime, and homicide. Over ₦409 million was recovered from suspects, alongside 376 firearms, including 13 AK-47 magazines and 187 rounds of ammunition.
SP Adeh noted that the FCT Police implemented various strategies to combat crime, including community policing, intelligence-led operations, and collaborations with other security agencies. These efforts contributed to a 15.1% reduction in crime rates compared to 2023, showcasing the effectiveness of targeted clearance operations and public engagement initiatives.
Among the cases handled, kidnapping and fraud were the most prominent, with 216 suspects arrested for kidnapping and 422 suspects linked to fraudulent activities. Convictions were secured in several cases, highlighting the commitment of the police and judicial system to ensure justice.
Looking ahead to 2025, the command emphasised plans to build on its successes by intensifying community engagement, visibility policing, and public enlightenment campaigns. The aim is to adapt to evolving security challenges and sustain the momentum in crime reduction across the FCT.
The command expressed gratitude to residents, security partners, and stakeholders for their support and called on the public to remain vigilant. Emergency and complaint hotlines were also shared to encourage prompt reporting of security issues and enhance collaborative policing efforts.
