The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested one suspected armed robber after officers foiled an early-morning attack on motorists in the Kado area of Abuja.

According to a statement by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, a distress call was received at the Mabushi Divisional Headquarters at about 6:15 a.m. reporting that a gang of about three armed men was attacking commuters near the MRS Filling Station in Kado.

Responding to the call, a police team from the Mabushi Division was immediately deployed to the scene. On sighting the approaching patrol vehicles, the suspects allegedly opened fire and attempted to escape, prompting a brief gun duel and a chase through the area.

During the confrontation, one of the suspects was shot and subdued by the operatives. He was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital for treatment under police guard. The remaining members of the gang fled into the surrounding bushes, abandoning their operational vehicle and several items believed to be stolen property or tools used for their criminal activities.

Police said the abandoned vehicle, a black Volkswagen Golf 2 with registration number JJJ 112 DW, was recovered at the scene. Also recovered were a Beretta pistol, a locally made pistol, a Firman generator, a Tecno Spark 4 smartphone, a Tecno T353 mobile phone, an Access Bank ATM card, a catapult, a pair of pliers, footwear, and assorted clothing items including a cap, jacket, T-shirt, singlet and a handkerchief.

Investigators are working to trace the ownership of the recovered items, particularly the phones, ATM card and generator, in an effort to identify possible victims and link the gang to previous incidents in the area.

SP Adeh stated that a manhunt has been launched for the fleeing suspects, with patrols and surveillance intensified around Kado, Mabushi and adjoining communities. She urged residents and motorists to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious movements or individuals to the nearest police formation.

The command reiterated its commitment to tackling robbery and other violent crimes in the FCT, stressing that rapid response to distress calls and increased visibility patrols remain central to its strategy to secure Abuja and its environs.