140 Policemen Died in FCT in 2024, Says CP

According to the FCT Police Commissioner, 140 policemen tragically lost their lives in the Federal Capital Territory in 2024.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) reported that it lost 140 officers in the Federal Capital Territory last year.

In a year-end statement detailing the accomplishments from January to December 2024, FCT Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu reported that several of his 140 active-duty officers lost their lives due to Shiite and other violent protests, as well as high blood pressure incidents in Abuja during the year.

He mentioned that some police officers had died in their sleep, while others collapsed and passed away at work.

He stated that some members of the deceased officer’s family received their entitlements and other support as instructed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) lies at the center of the Federation and is surrounded by Niger, Kaduna, Kogi, and Nasarawa States. It functions as Nigeria’s political and commercial hub. This strategic location draws a wide range of people with both lawful and unlawful purposes.

The statement partially read, “At the beginning of 2024, the FCT encountered major security issues across its six area councils. These challenges included banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, car thefts, ‘one-chance’ robberies, illegal possession and use of firearms homicides as well as other violent crimes.”

Highlighting some of the command’s achievements from last year, Disu stated that a total of 1,426 cases were reported. These efforts resulted in the arrest of 1,077 suspects. Additionally, there were reports and arrests across various case categories: 104 cases with 216 suspects arrested; 268 cases leading to the apprehension of 132 suspects; and notably in ‘one-chance’ incidents, there were 263 reported cases with authorities detaining 71 individuals involved.

He also highlighted additional achievements and recoveries during the year being reviewed.

Discussing the command’s plan for 2025, Disu mentioned that by building on the successes of 2024, they will enhance community policing engagements, intelligence-driven strategies, targeted clearance operations, and public awareness initiatives to meet the changing security needs of the FCT.