FCT Police Arrest 7 Over NURTW Clash, Deny Claims of Shooting at Members

FCT Police Arrest 7 Over NURTW Clash, Deny Claims of Shooting at Members

The Nigeria Police Force, through the FCT Police Command, has denied social media reports alleging that its officers opened fire on members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) during a violent clash at the union’s Garki II headquarters in Abuja.

Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, described the claims as false and misleading, stressing that officers responded strictly to restore order following a distress call about a confrontation between rival factions of the union.

According to the command, the incident occurred on Monday morning along Sapele Street at the NURTW headquarters, where a large group allegedly stormed the premises in an attempt to enforce a court order. The police noted that the group did not arrive with court sheriffs or authorized officials, a situation that contributed to the escalation of tensions.

Authorities said about 300 individuals, reportedly armed with cutlasses, bottles, bows, and arrows, were involved in the confrontation. The situation reportedly turned violent when another group resisted the attempted takeover, leading to a physical clash within the premises.

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During the operation, police officers arrested seven suspects at the scene. The individuals identified include Sularman Musa, Nasiru Ibrahim, Alhaji Sadisu Musa, Dalha Suleiman, Abdullahi Garba, Saheed Fojebi, and Ibikunle Baruwa. The suspects have since been arraigned at Magistrate Court 1 in Wuse Zone 2.

The police further disclosed that one victim sustained severe machete injuries to the neck and was rescued by operatives, while several others with varying degrees of injuries were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The command firmly denied allegations that its personnel discharged firearms during the incident, maintaining that officers acted professionally and focused on containing the situation without the use of lethal force.

Following the intervention, normalcy has reportedly been restored to the area, with security personnel maintaining a presence around the NURTW secretariat to prevent further disturbances.

The FCT Police Command also urged the public to disregard misinformation circulating online and to rely on verified updates from official sources. It encouraged residents to assist security agencies by reporting suspicious activities through its emergency contact lines: 08032003913 and 08061581938.

The incident forms part of ongoing tensions within the NURTW, as rival factions continue to dispute leadership and control of the union’s structures. Security agencies have maintained heightened surveillance in key areas to prevent further clashes and ensure public safety.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding lives and property while encouraging all parties involved in the dispute to pursue peaceful and lawful channels in resolving their differences.

FCT Police Arrest 7 Over NURTW Clash, Deny Claims of Shooting at Members