The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing crackdown on car theft and “one chance” robbery syndicates, with the recovery of 17 stolen vehicles and the arrest of 14 suspects between March and mid-April 2026.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday at the Command Headquarters in Abuja, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, said the successes were achieved through intensified intelligence-led policing, surveillance, and coordinated operations across key divisions, including Mabushi, Durumi, Maitama, and Central Police Station.
According to the Police Commissioner, the arrests were linked to cases involving vehicles stolen at gunpoint, cars removed from parking locations, and vehicles used in “one chance” robbery operations.
He disclosed that the recovered vehicles include several Toyota models, a Ford Jeep, Hyundai cars, Nissan SUVs, and a Toyota Hilux, among others. Some of the vehicles have already been returned to their rightful owners, while others remain in police custody pending proper identification.
In a related development, the Command foiled a “one chance” robbery operation on April 10, 2026, at about 4:30 a.m. Operatives on patrol noticed a suspicious vehicle parked along a deserted road. Upon approaching the vehicle, three suspects reportedly opened fire on the officers.
The police responded, injured and arrested one of the suspects, while others fled into nearby bushes. A search of the vehicle led to the rescue of two female victims who had been tied up in the back seat. One of the victims alleged she had been sexually assaulted during the ordeal.
Further investigations led to the arrest of another suspect who was later identified by the victims. Both suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
The Police Commissioner also raised concerns over the growing trend of misinformation related to security issues within the FCT. He cited the recent arrest of a 24-year-old content creator for allegedly fabricating a video with fake gunshot sounds to falsely suggest a bandit attack in Abuja.
The suspect has since been arraigned in court on charges of injurious falsehood and breach of public peace and remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending trial.
CP Sanusi warned that the dissemination of false or unverified security information is a criminal offence and urged residents and content creators to verify information with relevant authorities before publication.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the FCT and called on residents to continue supporting the police with credible information.
