The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has announced the arrest of 14 suspected car thieves and members of a robbery syndicate, alongside the recovery of 17 stolen vehicles across Abuja. The arrests were made during intelligence-driven operations conducted between March 2026 and April 2026.
Commissioner of Police Ahmed Sanusi disclosed the details during a press briefing at the command headquarters. He explained that the operations targeted vehicle theft, “one chance” robberies, and related crimes. The raids were carried out by divisions in Mabushi, Durumi, Maitama, and the Central Police Station.
Sanusi said the suspects were linked to incidents involving cars stolen at gunpoint, vehicles taken from parking lots, and those used in criminal activities. He confirmed that some of the recovered vehicles had already been returned to their rightful owners, while others remained in police custody pending identification.
The commissioner also highlighted a recent case in which officers foiled a “one-chance” robbery on April 10. According to him, police patrol teams intercepted a suspicious vehicle along a deserted road. The suspects opened fire, but officers responded swiftly, injuring and arresting one suspect while others fled into nearby bushes.
Two female victims were rescued from the vehicle. They had been tied up, and one reported being raped by a member of the gang. Sanusi revealed that a suspect identified as Cornellius Abang, who initially escaped, was later tracked down and arrested. During interrogation, the victims confirmed he was the individual who tied and assaulted them before their rescue. The suspects remain in custody and will face charges once investigations are complete.
In addition to the crackdown on car theft and robbery, Sanusi addressed the issue of misinformation. He announced that a content creator, Pam Joshua, had been arraigned for circulating a misleading video suggesting bandit attacks in Abuja. Joshua faces charges of Injurious Falsehood and Breach of Public Peace and has been remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre pending trial.
Sanusi urged residents to verify security-related information with official sources before sharing. He warned that spreading falsehoods capable of inciting panic is a criminal offence and will be prosecuted.
The arrests and vehicle recoveries come amid growing public concern over rising car theft and “one chance” robberies in Abuja. These crimes, often targeting commuters and motorists, have prompted calls for stronger security measures.
In recent months, the Nigeria Police Force has intensified intelligence-led patrols and operations across the FCT. The strategy aims to dismantle criminal syndicates, restore public confidence, and reduce the financial and emotional toll of vehicle-related crimes.
Sanusi emphasized that the command remains committed to safeguarding residents and their property. He assured that more operations would follow to ensure criminal networks are disrupted and offenders brought to justice.
The developments highlight the dual challenge facing law enforcement in Abuja: combating organized crime while addressing misinformation that can undermine public trust. By combining intelligence-driven policing with community engagement, the FCT Police Command seeks to strengthen security and reassure residents of its readiness to act decisively against threats.
