Female victim rescued as police foil knife-point robbery in Abuja

A suspected traffic robber was arrested by operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command after he allegedly attempted to rob a female commuter at knifepoint near the National Hospital area of Abuja, while police recovered three mobile phones, a dagger and a motorcycle believed to have been used in carrying out the crime.

The arrest, which took place on Sunday evening, came as part of intensified efforts by the command to curb the growing menace of traffic-related robberies targeting motorists and other road users within the nation’s capital.

According to the FCT Police Command, the suspect, identified as Yahuza Sani, was apprehended at about 7 p.m. by operatives attached to the Central Police Station (CPS) during a routine anti-crime patrol around the National Hospital axis.

The command said the suspect was intercepted while allegedly attempting to dispossess a female victim of her mobile phone and other valuables.

Spokesperson of the command, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed the development in a statement on Monday, noting that the arrest followed the swift intervention of undercover police operatives strategically deployed to the area following intelligence reports and complaints about traffic robbery incidents.

She said: “Police operatives of the FCT Police Command attached to Central Police Station (CPS), on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at about 7 p.m., while on routine anti-crime patrol around National Hospital Abuja, intercepted and arrested a suspect with a dagger while attempting to rob a female victim of her mobile valuables.

“The arrest followed swift intervention by undercover patrol operatives who had been strategically deployed in the area in response to reports of traffic robberies targeting unsuspecting road users.” Adeh further revealed that items recovered from the suspect included three mobile phones, a dagger and a motorcycle allegedly used in perpetrating the crime.

A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of three mobile phones, one dagger and one motorcycle used in the commission of the crime,

— she said.

The police spokesperson added that another suspected member of the robbery gang managed to escape during the operation and is currently being tracked by law enforcement authorities.

However, one other suspected accomplice fled the scene and is currently at large. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect, while the arrested suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,

— she stated.

The development underscores the FCT Police Command’s ongoing crackdown on criminal elements who exploit traffic congestion and vulnerable road users to carry out robberies in parts of Abuja.

Adeh urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information that could aid crime prevention and facilitate the arrest of criminal suspects.

“The FCT Police Command calls on members of the public to continue to share timely intelligence to support police operations within the Federal Capital Territory through the nearest police station or the Command’s emergency numbers,” she said.

The command reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and maintaining a secure environment across the Federal Capital Territory.

"However, one other suspected accomplice fled the scene and is currently at large. “Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect, while the arrested suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations."---SP Josephine Adeh,