The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has foiled an attempted car theft at the premises of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) in Maitama, Abuja, arresting a suspected vehicle thief allegedly caught with a fabricated master key.
The incident occurred at about 12:35 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, after an NFIU staff member alerted the police upon noticing an unfamiliar individual attempting to gain access to a parked vehicle within the agency’s premises.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, a patrol team from the Maitama Police Division responded promptly to the distress call and apprehended the suspect at the scene.
The suspect, identified as Thankgod Ayuba, 26, of no fixed address, was allegedly caught while trying to force open a black Toyota Venza belonging to an NFIU staff member using a fabricated master key.
The police said the suspect is currently in custody, while investigations are ongoing. He is expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, FCAI, commended the swift response of the officers and urged residents of the Federal Capital Territory to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station.
He also encouraged members of the public to make use of the Command’s emergency lines 08032003913 and 08028940883 to report security-related incidents.
The FCT Police Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the territory through proactive policing, rapid response, and sustained efforts to combat crime.
