The Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu continue to raise serious alarm over the growing threat posed by notorious criminal syndicates infiltrating affluent households under the guise of domestic staff.
This high-level warning follows a disturbing situation report from the Intelligence Response Team regarding a targeted attack in the Federal Capital Territory and other parts of Nigeria.
Just recently, the operatives of the Intelligence Response Team headed by DCP. Adams Saidu Muazu a Deputy Commissioner of Police acted on human and technical intelligence information arrested a forty year old John Cosmos Govi a Beninese National along the Abaji/Gwagwalada highway while he was en route to Lagos in an attempt to escape.
He was employed as a cook at Efab Estate at Karsana in Abuja. Investigations revealed that Govi is a member of a sophisticated syndicate specialized in armed robbery and burglary. His method involved posing as a household staff member—typically a cleaner or cook—to gain employment in the residences of prominent Nigerians through fraudulent agencies. Once he earned the trust of his employers, he would facilitate the entry of his accomplices to steal high-value items, including luxury watches, jewelry and safes.
With the assistance of two accomplices identified as Peter and Moses (currently at large), Govi prepared a poisonous meal for the household. While Govi employer and three family members were incapacitated, the syndicate absconded with a luxury wristwatch valued at approximately One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (₦150,000,000). Upon his arrest, police operatives recovered the employer’s mobile phone from Govi.
Furthermore, an unidentified chemical substance found at the crime scene has been sent to the laboratory for urgent analysis of its composition. While the victims are currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Wuse, the police confirmed that the entire criminal act was captured on the residential CCTV footage.
The Inspector-General of Police commended the operative's swift action, noting that the arrested suspect has confessed to the crime and is providing valuable information to aid in the arrest of his gang members and the recovery of the stolen loot.
Reflecting on the operation and the broader security landscape, the Nigerian Police Boss stated.....
"This moment must define who we are and who we must become as a force. Under my leadership, professionalism, accountability, and transparency shall not be a slogan; it shall be the standard. We are adopting modern policing strategies, including intelligence-led operations and technology-driven approaches, to ensure that those who exploit the sanctity of people's homes find no place to hide. While we will continue to hunt these syndicates down, we urge citizens to remain vigilant and partner with us through proactive vetting"
The police on many occasion advised Nigerians against incidents like this that to prevent becoming a victim of such syndicates, the Police advises the public to verify identities, always obtain and verify a valid National Identification Number, International Passport or voter’s card for all domestic staff. Conduct a physical check of the worker’s declared home address and verify their referees independently. Formally register and profile new domestic staff at the nearest police station. Avoid hiring through unverified or "fly-by-night" agencies that do not conduct rigorous background checks. Ensure residential CCTV systems are functional and monitored as digital evidence was crucial in this breakthrough.