The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) reported the loss of 140 officers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) throughout 2024. This revelation came in an end-of-year statement from the FCT Police Command, where the Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, outlined the challenges faced and the achievements made by the command during the year.
Disu explained that the deaths of the officers were linked to a range of causes, including violent protests involving Shiites, various demonstrations, and health issues such as high blood pressure. He also noted that some officers passed away in their sleep, while others collapsed and died while on duty.
The Commissioner assured that the families of the deceased officers had received their entitlements and other support in accordance with the directives of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.
In the statement, Disu acknowledged the security challenges faced by the FCT in 2024, noting that the city, located at the heart of the nation and bordered by several states, attracts individuals with both legitimate and illegitimate intentions. The FCT experienced significant security threats in 2024, including banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, car theft, “one-chance” robbery, illegal firearms possession, homicides, and other violent crimes.
Despite these challenges, the FCT Police Command reported notable successes in its efforts to combat crime. A total of 1,426 cases were reported during the year, leading to the arrest of 1,077 suspects. Other specific achievements included the arrest of 216 suspects in connection with 104 cases, 132 suspects in 268 cases, and 71 suspects from 263 “one-chance” robbery cases.
Looking ahead to 2025, Commissioner Disu outlined plans to build on the successes of the previous year. The FCT Police Command intends to intensify community policing engagements, adopt intelligence-led policing strategies, conduct targeted clearance operations, and continue public enlightenment initiatives to address the evolving security needs of the capital.
