Residents of Royal Court Estate in Jahi II, Abuja, were jolted from their sleep in the early hours of March 27, 2025, as gunshots shattered the quiet night. The heavy exchange of gunfire was the result of a daring police operation, which successfully foiled an armed robbery and led to the arrest of two suspects.
According to reports from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, officers from the Mabushi Division responded promptly to a distress call received at approximately 3:20 a.m. The call indicated an ongoing robbery at the upscale Royal Court Estate. Upon reaching the scene, the officers were met with immediate hostility, as the suspects opened fire, triggering a tense and prolonged gun battle.
Displaying remarkable courage and tactical expertise, the police officers engaged the armed robbers in a fierce shootout. Despite the suspects’ attempt to overpower the responding team, the police deployed superior firepower and strategic maneuvers to suppress the threat. The suspects, realizing they were outmatched, made a desperate attempt to flee the scene but sustained injuries in the exchange.
A short pursuit ensued, culminating in the successful apprehension of two individuals identified as Rabiu Jubril and Ibrahim Isa. Both suspects were traced to the Tipper Garage area of Jahi, a locality not far from the crime scene. They were taken into custody, where they are currently being held as investigations continue.
The operation yielded significant recoveries. Police officials confirmed the seizure of an assortment of stolen items, including three vehicles believed to have been looted during previous operations. The recovered cars included a black Toyota Matrix with registration number NBS 348 CP, a black Toyota Venza bearing ABJ 105 AV plates, and a grey Lexus IS350 with registration number RSH 295 CB.
In addition to the vehicles, officers retrieved a cache of valuable electronics, likely stolen during break-ins. Among the items recovered were two Apple MacBook Pro laptops, a Lenovo laptop, an iPad, a PlayStation 4 gaming console, a Canon IP1224 camera, and a high-end drone camera. The suspects were also found in possession of two locally-made firearms, which were used in the attempted robbery.
The Commissioner of Police for the FCT, CP Ajao S. Adewale, praised the officers involved for their swift response and professional conduct. Speaking to the press, he emphasized the importance of proactive policing and credited the operation’s success to the vigilance and coordination within the command.
“This was a display of excellence in tactical response,” CP Adewale stated. “The officers involved demonstrated outstanding bravery under fire. Their quick thinking and resolve helped prevent what could have been a more tragic outcome.”
He further advised residents of the FCT to take additional security measures to protect their properties, especially vehicles, which are frequently targeted in such crimes. “We encourage car owners to install tracking devices and security alarms. These tools not only deter criminals but significantly assist law enforcement in tracking and recovering stolen property,” he said.
The FCT Police Command also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order across Abuja, assuring the public that the security situation remains under control. In the wake of the recent event, there will be increased patrols and surveillance in strategic locations, particularly in residential estates that have become hotspots for criminal activities.
Investigations into the backgrounds of the arrested suspects are currently underway. Authorities are exploring possible connections to a wider robbery syndicate operating within and outside the city. Police sources revealed that more arrests may follow as intelligence gathering continues.
The quick and efficient handling of the Royal Court Estate robbery has been met with commendations from local community leaders and residents, who expressed relief that the suspects were apprehended before more harm could be done.
One resident, who asked not to be named, said, “It was a terrifying night, but we are grateful to the police. They came quickly and took control of the situation. We just want to live in peace, and knowing they are out there gives us some comfort.”
While the suspects have yet to be formally charged, police confirmed that once investigations are complete, they will be arraigned in court to face charges ranging from armed robbery to unlawful possession of firearms and theft of property.
This incident marks a significant win in the FCT Police Command’s ongoing campaign against violent crime in Abuja. With consistent pressure and community cooperation, authorities remain optimistic about their ability to dismantle criminal networks and restore safety to all parts of the capital.
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