In a major crackdown, the Zone 7 Police Command in Abuja has arrested several suspects involved in a string of car thefts, armed robberies, and even a murder.
The operation, which was conducted in collaboration with the Niger State Police Command, led to the recovery of numerous stolen vehicles, firearms, and other illicit items.
According to the Zone’s Police Public Relations Officer, M.B Abdulkadir, the arrests were made based on actionable intelligence reports. The suspects apprehended include 22-year-old Solomon Nuhu, 17-year-old Faruk Umar, 34-year-old Bolaji Yusuf, and 38-year-old Lawal Yusuf. They face charges ranging from car snatching and robbery to possession of prohibited firearms and criminal conspiracy.
During the operation, police detectives from the Special Investigation Squad were able to recover five suspected stolen vehicles from L.Y Nadabo Motors in Karu, Nasarawa State. Two additional suspects, Bolaji Yusuf and Abubakar Umar, were arrested at Heart Plaza in Maraba, where two vehicle master keys, three stolen phones, and a bundle of car keys were seized.
Further investigations led the police to Ankpa, Kogi State, where five more stolen vehicles were recovered, including a Lexus IS 250 whose owner was allegedly killed during the theft. The killer, identified as Ibrahim Umar (a.k.a. “Godiya”), remains at large.
In total, the police recovered 10 vehicles with altered chassis numbers, along with laptops, mobile phones, and other items believed to be stolen. A 9mm Beretta pistol and live ammunition were also found in the possession of suspect Faruk Umar.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 7, Ogundele Ayodeji, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the case. He has also called on citizens within the Federal Capital Territory to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police, assuring the public that the Nigeria Police Force is committed to protecting lives and property.
