FCT Looting: Police Arrest 51 Suspects, Recover 145 Relief Items

Police authorities in the Federal Capital Territory have arrested 51 persons suspected to have looted COVID-19 Palliatives located at Karimo axis of Jabi in Abuja.

The commissioner of Police, Bala Ciroma, disclosed this in a press briefing on Monday in Abuja, saying the recent spate of protests and lootings have taken different colourations and dimensions.

The attacked warehouse for which the suspected persons were apprehended is located at Jabi-Daki-biu, Idu Industrial Estate and Karimo axis.

“It is on record that in the last two weeks, the FCT and other parts of the Federation have witnessed various forms of protests and demonstrations under different guises…

“…Some of which have taken different colourations and dimensions which has resulted into loss of lives, wanton destruction of property and looting.

“In the bid to ensure the protection of lives and property within the Federal Capital Territory, the Command has arrested fifty-one (51) suspected looters and made recoveries of some looted items at Jabi-Daki-biu, Idu Industrial Estate and Karimo axis…”

The command said they had recovered about 145 exhibits containing items such as bags of rice, cartons of soaps, spaghetti, tomatoes, indomie and other textile materials.

“…Following the wanton looting cum vandalization of public and private warehouses within these area by some hoodlums.

“In view of this development, I want to sound a note of warning to persons engaged in all forms of criminality especially the looting and vandalization of properties within the FCT, that the Command will not condone any act capable of undermining the safety of lives and property of FCT residents.”

The commissioner, however, mentioned that in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General Police, (IGP) Mohammed Adamu, the command has deployed tactical strategies such as diligent motorized and foot patrols, deployment of personnel to key infrastructures.

Also, the command will further partner with sister security agencies, community stakeholders and other covet strategies to avert further malicious damage on public-private properties and prevent all forms of violence.

“While appealing to residents to remain law-abiding and calm, I wish to reiterate the unflinching commitment of the Command to provide adequate security within the FCT,” he said.