Some officers of the Nigerian Navy reportedly disarmed a policeman involved in an alleged illegal raid in Abuja on Friday, Chronicles Reporters has learned.
The disarmed officer and his colleagues are attached to the Iddo Police Station in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Sources revealed that the raid targeted homes and schools in the Bassa area, where several residents were randomly apprehended.
“They park their vehicle in front of houses, wait for people to step out, and then force them into their buses,” a source told Chronicles Reporters.
The situation escalated when the officers encountered some naval personnel and allegedly tried to detain them. “One of the policemen slapped a naval officer. In response, the naval officers disarmed him, seized his AK-47 rifle with ammunition, and threatened to retaliate,” the source added.
Although the naval officers reportedly left with the rifle, the police authorities later apologized. It remains unclear if the weapon has been recovered.
Speaking to Chronicles Reporters, Solomon Majit, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Iddo Police Station, confirmed the incident but denied claims of an illegal raid.
“It’s true the incident happened, but the gun has been recovered. My men were not on an illegal raid; we were combing the area due to the security situation in the FCT,” he said.
Residents, however, shared harrowing accounts of arbitrary arrests and extortion by officers from the station. Over 20 people were reportedly apprehended during the raid.
“I stepped out of my house and saw a bus parked. Before I could react, I was forced inside. I asked why, and an officer slapped me,” one victim narrated.
Others reported being detained in front of community schools and homes. “Seven young men were picked up in Bassa, and more were arrested in Sauka. At the station, they demanded bail ranging from N50,000, forcing all of us to spend the night in a cell,” the victim added.
A resident described how he was once arrested and forced to pay N50,000 for his release. “The officers beat us and demanded money. This has become a routine for them,” he said.
The incident has drawn attention to ongoing allegations of misconduct and extortion by officers attached to the Iddo Police Station.
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