FCT Police Neutralize Robbery Suspect, Arrest Seven Others in Abuja Raid

A coordinated police operation in Abuja has led to the death of a notorious armed robbery suspect, Abdulmininu Bello, also known as Babanle, and the arrest of seven other suspected members of his gang.

Public Relations Officer of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, Josephine Adeh confirmed on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 that the operation was successful.

She stated that in the course of the operation a robbery syndicate believed to be behind multiple violent crimes, including armed robbery and car theft, across Abuja and surrounding areas was dismantled.

She disclosed that the operation was carried out by the Command’s Scorpion Squad following credible intelligence that the gang was plotting a fresh robbery attack around the Maitama area on May 19, 2025.

Acting swiftly on the tip-off, officers launched a tactical operation on May 15, intercepting the suspects before they could carry out their plans.

According to the FCT Police spokesperson, the gang opened fire upon sighting the police team, leading to a fierce gunfight.

During the exchange, Bello, the gang’s alleged ringleader, was shot and later confirmed dead.

Several other members of the gang were apprehended during the operation. Among them are ex-convicts and individuals linked to previous cases of armed robbery and vehicle theft.

They were taken into custody at the scene of the shootout.

A number of dangerous weapons and stolen items were recovered during the raid, including a 2004 Toyota Camry LE, a red boxer motorcycle, two locally fabricated pistols loaded with 9mm live rounds, four AK-47 rifles with magazines, eleven rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and a locally made shotgun.

Superintendent Adeh also revealed that another key suspect, identified as Solomon Bawa, popularly known as Pastor Mogu, escaped the scene with gunshot injuries, along with one unidentified accomplice.

The FCT Police Command has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any individuals seen with unexplained injuries to the nearest police station to aid in the ongoing investigation.

The arrested suspects remain in police custody and will be formally charged once investigations are concluded.