Police have successfully foiled a plot to launch attacks on key government institutions and residential estates in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during Independence Day celebrations. Four suspects linked to the plan were arrested in a hideout in the Sauka area of Abuja, following an intelligence report from the Federal Capital Territory Police Command.

In a statement issued on Thursday, FCT Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh identified the suspects as Yau Sani, also known as Baba (an ex-convict), Nuhu, also known as Giwa, Kabiru Mohammed, and Yusuf Hassan. The police revealed that the group had been involved in several kidnappings across Abuja, Kaduna, and Niger, and were responsible for the deaths of seven victims during their criminal activities.

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“The Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the FCT Police Command, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended the four notorious kidnappers on October 1st, 2024. The suspects were located at their hideout in Sauka, where they had been living among the local population,” Adeh stated.

Further investigation revealed that the gang had terrorized several areas, including Dakwa, Dawaki, Aco Estate, Dupe Village, Zuma Rock, and Kuchiko Village. Following their arrest, the suspects led officers to a forest in Niger State, where they had hidden weapons, including four AK-47 rifles and 175 rounds of ammunition.

The police also uncovered additional arms at another hideout in Gauraka Forest, Suleja, Niger State. There, four AK-47 rifles, 13 AK-47 magazines, and 162 rounds of live ammunition were recovered.

The suspects confessed to planning attacks on several government institutions and estates in Abuja, which the police managed to prevent through proactive measures.

The FCT Police Command reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of the capital, urging the public to report any suspicious activities to the police emergency lines.