By Adenike Lawal
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has dismantled a notorious car theft ring operating in Abuja, recovering stolen vehicles and arresting key suspects in a swift and coordinated operation.
Spokesperson for the Command, SP Josephine Adeh, revealed on Monday that the breakthrough followed an urgent distress call on April eleven, reporting the theft of a gold coloured two thousand and five Toyota Corolla with registration number KUJ 208 DA from a private residence.
Officers from the Durumi Division launched an immediate investigation, tracing the stolen vehicle to a workshop in Durumi where it was in the process of being repainted, a common tactic criminals use to disguise stolen cars for quick resale.
In a stroke of luck, the police also uncovered another stolen vehicle at the scene—a red Toyota Corolla with registration number GWA 844 CK, which had earlier been declared missing in Jikwoyi.
Three suspects, identified as Steven Musa, David Dalyol, a painter, and Ibrahim Mohammed, a mechanic, were apprehended at the workshop.
During interrogation, they confessed to being part of a larger criminal network involved in car theft across multiple areas including Wuse, Central Area, Jikwoyi, and Bwari.
The suspects are currently in custody and assisting police with further investigations as authorities work to dismantle the entire syndicate.
The FCT Police Command reiterated its commitment to tackling crime in the capital, urging residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to security agencies.