A troubling security breach occurred at the Suleja Local Government Area secretariat, where thieves targeted buses belonging to Federal Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The incident, reported on Sunday, involved the theft of seven bus brain boxes, a critical component of vehicle electronics. The matter was officially lodged at the Suleja Divisional Police Headquarters the following day, prompting an ongoing investigation.
These buses are typically parked at the secretariat overnight for safekeeping before transporting staff from Suleja to Abuja.
The first alarm was raised by Mr. Jimah Umar, driver of the Budget and National Planning bus. He explained that while preparing his vehicle for repairs, he noticed the brain box missing. Initially suspecting battery theft, he later confirmed the battery was intact but the brain box had been removed. His discovery alerted other drivers, who soon realized multiple buses had been similarly targeted.
Mr. Amos Amodu, driver with the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission and Secretary of the Suleja Staff Buses Association, corroborated the incident. He received a call from a colleague about a missing brain box, and upon arrival, found several buses affected. This pattern suggested a coordinated operation rather than isolated theft.
Several drivers expressed frustration over recurring security lapses. Mr. Joel Arenkhanda of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources noted that he had parked his bus at the secretariat since 2015 without incident until September 2025. Since then, thefts escalated from fuel siphoning to the removal of tools such as wheel spanners, jacks, and tyres. He emphasized that such crimes were unprecedented before last year, raising concerns about deteriorating security conditions.
Other drivers echoed similar experiences, pointing to a gradual increase in theft-related activities. The latest incident, involving the removal of brain boxes, marked a significant escalation in severity and financial impact.
At the time of the burglary, security personnel consisted of two elderly men and two civilian vigilantes working weekly shifts. They claimed ignorance of the theft, suggesting it might have occurred during heavy rainfall and strong winds on Saturday night. Their inability to detect or prevent the crime highlighted weaknesses in the current security arrangement.
The Suleja Police Division has since taken up the case, though no suspects have been identified. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities expected to review surveillance and strengthen patrols around the secretariat.
This incident underscores persistent challenges in safeguarding government property. Staff buses are essential for daily operations, transporting employees from Suleja to Abuja. The theft of brain boxes not only disrupts transportation but also imposes significant repair costs on government agencies. Drivers and staff now face uncertainty about the safety of their vehicles, raising questions about the adequacy of existing security measures.
The Suleja Staff Buses Association has voiced concern over the recurring thefts, urging authorities to implement stronger protective strategies. Suggestions include deploying trained security personnel, installing surveillance cameras, and improving lighting around the parking area. Without such measures, drivers fear further losses and disruptions.
The burglary of seven federal staff buses at the Suleja secretariat highlights a growing security problem. What began as minor thefts of fuel and tools has escalated into the removal of vital vehicle components. The incident exposes vulnerabilities in current security arrangements and calls for urgent intervention by both local authorities and federal agencies. Until effective measures are introduced, staff and drivers remain at risk of continued losses, undermining the reliability of government transport services.
