By Uche Onyeali

Police in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, have deployed officers, material and physical assets over alleged planned invasion by bandits.

A message broadcast on WhatsApp on Sunday and yesterday stated that there was a movement of bandits led by one Ardo – a sub-commander of a notorious bandits leader, Boderi Yellow mai One Million.

The WhatsApp broadcast reads in part, “There is movement of bandits led by Ardo, a sub-commander of Boderi yellow mai one million. They are coming from Kweri forest Kagarko, Kaduna State. Their destination is Gauraka/Kubwa Hills, FCT.

“Sir, following the escape of Inusa Lawal, male, 18 years from the camp. He was one of those kidnapped in Ushafa alongside others at Dawaki on May 19. He escaped from their custody today, June 2 at about 06:00hrs.

“During interrogation, he confirmed that the bandits had 10 hostages including him in their camp. He also said that the victims kidnapped from Dawaki and Dakwa are all in the camp. Intelligence from our sources confirmed that Ardo led 10 of his gang members from the camp to the FCT since yesterday night.”

The message added, “Their mission in the FCT is not clear, however, in view of the above, there is the need for security forces to collaborate in the operation already in place in the hills (Kubwa-Gauraka Hills) today.”

The security alert urged security agencies to intensify patrol across locations in and around Bwari Area Council.

It added, “In view of this movement, it is clear that Ardo and his gang have potential targets in Kubwa, Zuba and Mpape General Area. Additional sources confirmed that he is frustrated that the families of the victims refused to pay the ransom demanded. They are really in need of funds for the upcoming Sallah, reason why they are becoming more desperate.”

Reacting to the development in a statement yesterday, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh admonishes the general public to always give useful information to the police to aid its efforts in the fight against insecurity within the territory.

Adeh said, “The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to a publication making the rounds on social media on the alleged entry of some suspected bandits into the Federal Capital Territory.

“Consequent to the above, the commissioner of police wishes to appreciate members of the public for their outstanding environmental alertness and admonishes the general public to always give useful information to the police to aid its efforts in the fight against insecurity. 

“He therefore urges residents to go about their lawful business without fear from any quarters, as the command has made the necessary deployments of both material and physical assets, and is working assiduously to ensure the safety of all residents and avert any intended attack within the nation’s capital.”