In response to intelligence reports of an impending bandit invasion, Benneth Igweh, the Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, announced the deployment of officers and resources to all strategic areas in Abuja. This heightened security follows messages circulated on WhatsApp, claiming that a group of bandits, led by Ardo, a sub-commander of the notorious bandit leader Boderi Yellow mai One Million, were en route from Kweri Forest in Kaduna State to Gauraka/Kubwa Hills in the FCT.
The WhatsApp message warned of the bandits’ invasion, stating: “There is the movement of bandits led by Ardo, a sub-commander of Boderi Yellow mai One Million. They are coming from Kweri Forest, Kagarko, Kaduna State. Their destination is Gauraka/Kubwa Hills, FCT.”
It continued, “Sir, following the escape of one Inusa Lawal, Male, 18 years, from the camp (picture attached). He was one of those kidnapped in Ushafa along with others at Dawaki on 19/05/2024. He escaped from their custody today, 2/6/2024, at about 06:00hrs. During interrogation, he confirmed that the bandits had 10 hostages, including him, in their camp. He also said that the victims kidnapped from Dawaki and Dakwa are all in the camp. Intelligence from our sources confirmed that Ardo led 10 of his gang members from the camp to FCT since last night.”
The message further stated, “Their mission in FCT is not clear; however, in view of the above, there is a need for security forces to collaborate in the operation already in place to the hills (Kubwa-Gauraka Hills) today.”
The security alert urged agencies to intensify patrols in and around the Bwari area council, stating, “In view of this movement, it is clear that Ardo and his gang have potential targets in Kubwa, Zuba, and Mpape General Area. Additional sources confirmed that Ardo is frustrated that the families of the victims refused to pay the ransoms demanded by them. They are really in need of funds for the upcoming Sallah, which is why they are now becoming more desperate.”
Reacting to the development, FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, conveyed CP Igweh’s message on Monday. Igweh urged residents to go about their lawful business without fear.
“The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to a publication making the rounds on social media on the alleged entry of some suspected bandits into the Federal Capital Territory,” Adeh said.
“Consequent to the above, the Commissioner of Police FCT, Benneth Igweh, appreciates members of the public for their outstanding environmental alertness and admonishes the general public to always provide useful information to the Police to aid its efforts in the fight against insecurity within the state.”
“He therefore urges residents to go about their lawful business without fear from any quarters, as the command has made all necessary deployments of both material and physical assets and is working assiduously to ensure the safety of all residents and avert any intended attack within the Nation’s capital,” Adeh added.