By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Commissioner of Police of the FCT Police Command, Ahmed Sanusi, has dismissed a viral claim of a security incident at a school in the Federal Capital Territory and confirmed the arrest of three suspects linked to a TikTok video showing armed “bandit” activity and illegal possession of firearms.
Speaking during a news briefing in Abuja on Friday, Sanusi said the school security report circulating on social media was false and intended to cause panic.
“This is totally false. Nothing of such happens.”
He added that police operatives were deployed to the location and confirmed there was no breach or attack, describing the report as misinformation aimed at misleading residents.
Three suspects arrested over TikTok “bandit” video
Sanusi also confirmed the arrest of three suspects linked to a viral TikTok video showing individuals dressed in military camouflage and posing with firearms in a manner suggesting “bandit” activity.
He identifed the suspects as Umar Babakita (25), a Muayyati (22), and Yayaki (24).
He said:
“I immediately directed a detailed forensic analysis into the origin of the content and ordered immediate arrests of all persons connected to the videos.”
According to him, the suspects were tracked and arrested during coordinated operations at a hideout in Wunji Village, Suburb area, following actionable intelligence.
The Commissioner disclosed that a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, along with live ammunition and other exhibits, were recovered from the suspects.
He added that forensic analysis of their mobile phones revealed additional videos and photographs showing them in military camouflage and handling firearms.
Sanusi said the arrests formed part of sustained efforts to curb illegal possession of firearms and the use of social media platforms, particularly TikTok, to glamorize or project criminal activity.
Additional arrest and recovery
Across the operations highlighted in the briefing, the command also recorded additional recoveries and arrests, including:
*One AK-47 rifle* recovered in a separate operation
*About 81 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition* recovered from a wanted suspect
*Additional 100 rounds of ammunition* linked to a separate suspect
*Multiple mobile phones (at least 10 devices)* recovered across operations
*Two vehicles* used in criminal activities, including a “one-chance” robbery operation
The Commissioner said the arrests were part of ongoing intelligence-led operations targeting armed criminal networks operating within and around the Federal Capital Territory.
Crackdown on tinted glass and concealed plates
Sanusi also announced intensified enforcement against the use of tinted glass, covered or concealed number plates, and other vehicle modifications used by criminals to avoid identification.
He said intelligence reports show that such vehicles are frequently used in crimes including “one-chance” robbery, kidnapping, and armed attacks.
“We are ready to follow it to the letter because we have legal plans of operations to do this.”
He confirmed that a comprehensive enforcement exercise has commenced across the FCT.
Police defend detention in murder investigation
The Commissioner also addressed concerns regarding suspects detained in connection with a murder investigation, stating that their continued custody is lawful and necessary due to ongoing forensic and DNA analysis.
He explained that releasing the suspects at this stage could compromise evidence critical to the case.
“They have to be lawfully kept in local custody under very good conditions.”
He assured that all suspects are being held in line with due process while investigations continue.
Security operations and public cooperation
Sanusi reaffirmed that intelligence-led operations against kidnapping, armed robbery, and bandit-linked networks will continue across the Federal Capital Territory.
He urged residents to report suspicious activity and cooperate with security agencies, stressing that community support remains vital in combating violent crime
