By Gbemiga Olamikan
Police Operatives of FCT Command have shown the power in collaboration between police and residents of the FCT as a good Samaritan reported a carjacking incident. The victim Engr. Kemi H. Adidiru was on her way to the city when she was attacked at about 8pm on November 21, 2024 along Airport road Abuja but got good news 3 hours 35 minutes later.
This was disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer SP Josephine Adeh in a statement signed on 22 November, 2024. The statement reads that
“on November 21, 2024, at approximately 8:00 PM, the FCT Police Command received a distress call from a good Samaritan reporting a carjacking incident. Engr. Kemi H. Adidiru was driving from Lugbe to the city center when she was abruptly stopped and surrounded by six armed men under a pedestrian bridge along Alieta Road, Lugbe. The robbers forcefully ejected both her and her driver from her vehicle—a 2012 black Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (Reg. No. ABJ 670 EY)—and sped off with the car and her belongings at gunpoint.”
SP Josephine revealed that “the witness, alarmed by the robbery, promptly notified the FCT Police Command Control Room, providing crucial information about the vehicle and the suspects’ direction of escape. The police acted quickly, alerting strategic checkpoints and deploying patrol teams across the FCT.”
She further revealed that, at approximately 11:35 PM, police operatives spotted the stolen vehicle at a checkpoint along Dantata Bridge, Galadimawa Road. When officers attempted to stop the suspects, they sped away, leading to a high-speed chase towards Airport Junction. Upon reaching another police checkpoint at the airport junction, the suspects opened fire, engaging the police in a fierce gun battle. Thanks to the superior firepower of the police, the suspects abandoned the vehicle and their firearm, fleeing into the surrounding bushes.”
The vehicle was successfully recovered, along with a bag containing an international passport belonging to Engr. Halimat Adediru, cash, and other valuables. She said the items have since been returned to their rightful owner, who expressed profound gratitude for the prompt response and professionalism of the police.
However, Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Olatunji Disu has commended the vigilant bystander for their swift action and encouraged the public to report any suspicious activities to the police using the emergency numbers: 08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938, and 07057337653.
