Police arrest two suspected car thieves in Plateau, recover vehicle

Plateau State Police Command has arrested two individuals suspected of belonging to a vehicle theft syndicate, recovering a stolen Toyota Hilux. The operation, initiated by an intelligence-led manhunt, successfully tracked the vehicle to Bauchi State.

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On 21st July, 2026, at about 7:00am we received a report stating that a white Toyota Hilux, Model 2022 with Registration Number 18D-35-FG, had been stolen from the owner’s residence by unknown persons.

The incident began on July 21, 2026, when a report was filed concerning a stolen white Toyota Hilux, model 2022. The vehicle, with registration number 18D-35-FG, had been taken from the owner's residence. Following the report, the Assistant Inspector General of Police for Plateau State, AIG Bassey Ewah, ordered a comprehensive search for the vehicle and those responsible.

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Upon receipt of the report, the Assistant Inspector General of Police Plateau State Command, AIG Bassey Ewah, psc(++), FCAI, MSPSP, immediately directed all Area Commanders, DPOs and Tactical Team Commanders in the Command to commence an intelligence driven operation to recover the vehicle and apprehend those responsible.

Utilizing intelligence and advanced technology, police operatives traced the stolen vehicle to Bauchi State, where it was recovered. During the operation, two suspects, identified as Ibrahim Tijjani, 30, and Mohammed Umar, 33, were arrested. Both are residents of Jos North Local Government Area.

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Through the prompt deployment of intelligence and technology, the operatives successfully tracked the stolen vehicle to Bauchi State, where it was recovered. During the operation, two suspects, one Ibrahim Tijjani, 30 years old, of Labour House, Jos North Local Government Area, and Mohammed Umar, 33 years old, of Angwan Rogo, Jos North Local Government Area, were arrested in connection with the crime.

Investigation revealed that Tijjani allegedly stole the vehicle key without the owner's knowledge. While the owner and others searched for the missing key, Tijjani planned the theft. He further deceived the owner and security personnel by suggesting the vehicle be parked at a bakery pending a replacement key. This false representation allowed him to gain access and steal the vehicle.

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In the course of the investigation, it was revealed that the principal suspect, Ibrahim Tijjani had secretly stolen the key to the victim’s vehicle without the owner’s knowledge. While the owner and other concerned persons were actively searching for the missing key, the suspect was perfecting his plan to steal the vehicle.