By Kingsley Omonobi

In a coordinated joint tactical operation led by the Scorpion Squad, operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have neutralized a notorious armed robber and dismantled a seven-man robbery syndicate known for terrorizing residents through carjacking and violent robberies.

The police revealed that the gang had long been on the Command’s watchlist due to a series of armed robbery and vehicle theft cases linked to their network.

According to the police, credible intelligence was received indicating that the syndicate was planning a robbery operation around the Maitama area on May 19, 2025. Acting swiftly, operatives intercepted the gang on May 15, 2025.

“Upon sighting the officers, the suspects opened fire. In the ensuing gun duel, one of the gang members, Abdulmininu Bello, a.k.a. Babanle, was neutralized,” the police stated.

Seven suspects were arrested at the scene, including:

Ibrahim Muhammad (22) – ex-convict from Kebbi State

Abubakar Abdullahi (22) – from Plateau State

Sarajo Yusuf (20) – from Plateau State

Isiaka Adamu – ex-convict from Bauchi State

Abdullahi Isah (18) – escaped detainee from Bauchi State

Sanusi Ali (51) – resident of Kano State

Abubakar Sani – from Plateau State

The gang leader, Solomon Bawa a.k.a. Pastor Mogu, and one other suspect fled the scene with gunshot wounds. The police have urged the public to report anyone seen with suspicious injuries for prompt investigation.

The following items were recovered at the scene:

2004 Toyota Camry LE

One red Boxer motorcycle

Two locally made pistols with ten rounds of live 9mm ammunition

Four AK-47 rifles with magazines

Eleven rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition

One locally made shotgun

Gang Activities and Confessions

During interrogation, the suspects confessed to being part of a dangerous criminal network that specializes in hijacking luxury vehicles—particularly SUVs—at gunpoint, often during late-night ambushes or through deceit.

Police investigations uncovered that the group used a WhatsApp group to coordinate operations and relied heavily on insider information provided by domestic staff of targeted victims.

The suspects also admitted to: Selling a custom-colored Toyota Camry (popularly known as “Big-for-Nothing”) for ₦700,000

Selling a Lexus SUV for ₦1 million

The 2015 murder of an MTN staff member in Kaduna State

Police Commissioner Commends Operatives

The FCT Commissioner of Police commended the bravery and professionalism of the operatives involved and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ridding the territory of violent crimes.

Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities or emergencies to the following numbers:

08032003913

08028940883

07057337653

Complaint Response Unit: 08107314192