The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has firmly denied allegations circulating on social media that its officers opened fire on members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) at the union’s headquarters in Garki II, Abuja.
In a statement issued to clarify the situation, the command described the reports as false, misleading, and a distortion of what transpired during an early morning disturbance at the union’s office.
According to the police, officers were responding to a distress call about a violent clash between rival factions of the NURTW. The incident occurred at about 7 a.m. along Sapele Street in Garki II, where tensions reportedly escalated after a large group of individuals stormed the union’s headquarters.
The Police Public Relations Officer for the FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, explained that approximately 300 people armed with dangerous weapons, including cutlasses, broken bottles, bows, and arrows, forcefully entered the premises. She said the group attempted to enforce what they claimed was a court order but did so without the presence of authorised court sheriffs or officials.
“This action escalated into a physical confrontation when other union members resisted,” Adeh stated.
The confrontation quickly turned violent, prompting urgent intervention from security operatives. According to the police, one individual sustained severe machete wounds to the neck during the clash. Officers at the scene rescued the injured victim and facilitated immediate medical attention. Several other people with varying degrees of injuries were also rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The police insisted that, contrary to claims making the rounds online, no firearms were discharged by officers during the operation. Adeh emphasised that the officers exercised restraint while working to bring the situation under control.
“Our personnel acted professionally to prevent further escalation. No shots were fired,” she said, reiterating that the command remains committed to upholding public safety without unnecessary use of force.
In the course of restoring order, seven suspects were arrested at the scene. The police identified them as Sularman Musa, Nasiru Ibrahim, Alhaji Sadisu Musa, Dalha Suleiman, Abdullahi Garba, Saheed Fojebi, and Ibikunle Baruwa. The command confirmed that the suspects have since been charged before Magistrate Court 1 in Wuse Zone 2.
While investigations are ongoing, authorities believe the clash stemmed from internal disputes within the NURTW, a union that has historically experienced factional tensions in various parts of the country. The attempt to enforce a court order without proper legal procedure appears to have triggered the confrontation.
Residents and business owners in the Garki II area were reportedly alarmed by the early morning violence, with many initially unsure of what was happening as the confrontation unfolded. The police presence and subsequent arrests helped to calm tensions, and normal activities have since resumed in the area.
The FCT Police Command used the opportunity to caution members of the public against spreading unverified information, particularly on social media platforms where rumours can quickly escalate into panic. Adeh stressed that misinformation not only undermines public trust but can also complicate ongoing security operations.
“We urge residents to rely on official channels for accurate updates and to avoid sharing unconfirmed reports,” she said.
The command also appealed to residents of the Federal Capital Territory to support security efforts by promptly reporting suspicious activities or emerging threats. Emergency contact lines — 08032003913 and 08061581938 — were made available for this purpose.
Reassuring the public, the police reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and security across Abuja. They pledged to continue monitoring the situation closely and to take necessary steps to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
As legal proceedings begin for the arrested suspects, the command maintained that it would pursue justice through due process, while working to ensure that similar incidents do not recur.
