The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has issued a strong warning over the rising trend of criminal syndicates that infiltrate high-profile homes by disguising themselves as domestic workers.
The alert follows an intelligence report from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), which revealed a coordinated attack involving members of a criminal network operating in the Federal Capital Territory and other parts of Nigeria.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the IRT led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Adams Saidu Muazu arrested a 40-year-old Beninese national, John Cosmos Govi, along the Abaji–Gwagwalada highway while he attempted to escape to Lagos.
Govi had been working as a cook at Efab Estate, Karsana, Abuja. Investigations showed he was part of a well-organised gang involved in armed robbery and burglary, with a method that involves gaining employment in wealthy households through fake recruitment channels. Once inside, they build trust and later create access for other gang members to carry out theft.
According to police findings, Govi worked with two accomplices identified as Peter and Moses, who are currently on the run. The group allegedly served a poisoned meal to the household, which left the employer and three family members unconscious. During the attack, they reportedly stole valuables, including a luxury wristwatch worth about ₦150 million.
A mobile phone belonging to the victim was recovered from the suspect at the point of arrest. Security operatives also discovered an unidentified chemical substance at the scene, which has been sent for forensic analysis. The victims are currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Wuse. Authorities further confirmed that the entire incident was captured on CCTV footage installed within the residence.
The Inspector-General of Police praised the swift response of the operatives, adding that the suspect has already confessed and is cooperating with investigators to help track down other members of the gang and recover stolen items.
Speaking on the development and broader security concerns, he said:
“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 also reiterated their advisory to the public, urging Nigerians to be more cautious when employing domestic staff. They advised households to verify identities using official documents such as the National Identification Number, international passport, or voter’s card, and to independently confirm addresses and referees.
They further recommended that domestic workers be registered at nearby police stations, that only licensed and verifiable recruitment agencies be used, and that CCTV systems be properly installed and monitored, noting that surveillance footage played a key role in cracking the case.