The Federal Capital Territory, Police Command on Wednesday announced the arrest of four suspected members of a notorious car-snatching syndicate, along with the recovery of six stolen vehicles and more than ₦15 million in cash.
The command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said the arrests were made through coordinated operations by the Gwagwalada and Mabushi Divisions, as well as the Command’s specialized Scorpion Squad.
Adeh identified the suspects as Dalhatu Bashiru, an ex-convict; Nwadigo Emmanuel; Uchenna Kalu; and Alhaji Jazuli Adamu, who was allegedly the principal receiver of the stolen vehicles. Adamu was arrested in Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State with ₦15,280,000 reportedly intended to purchase another batch of stolen cars.
“Acting on credible intelligence and supported by digital forensic reconstruction, the FCT Police Command has arrested four members of a notorious armed robbery and car-snatching syndicate,” Adeh said.
“Three vehicles were recovered by the Jabi, Gwagwalada, and Mabushi Divisions, while the Scorpion Squad apprehended additional suspects, recovered four more vehicles, and seized over ₦15 million cash.”
The recovered vehicles include: a black Toyota Prado SUV (2008 model), Reg. No. RSH 967 JJ; a grey KIA Optima (2009 model), Reg. No. RMY 88 AA; two grey Toyota Corollas, Reg. Nos. JUX 890 AA and unregistered; an ash-coloured Toyota Camry, Reg. No. APR 459 AE; and a black Toyota Corolla, Reg. No. 578 AA.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Adamu works closely with an accomplice, Alhaji Abdulkarim Ibrahim, a Nigerien national believed to coordinate the resale of stolen vehicles in the Niger Republic. Ibrahim is currently at large.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Ibrahim, who is believed to be reselling stolen cars across the border,” Adeh said.
“All suspects and recovered items are now in police custody, and investigations continue to track other fleeing members of the gang.”
Car-snatching syndicates have remained a persistent security challenge across Abuja and its satellite towns, often moving stolen vehicles across state borders into neighbouring countries.
The FCT Police Command has intensified intelligence-led operations, including deploying specialized units such as the Scorpion Squad, to dismantle organized criminal networks.
“We are committed to ensuring that these syndicates are neutralized and that residents of the FCT feel safe,” Adeh added. “This is part of our ongoing efforts to curb armed robbery and related crimes.”
The arrests mark another significant step in the command’s ongoing campaign to improve security and tackle organized crime in the Territory.
