Police bust vehicle theft syndicate in Abuja, arrest four suspects

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has apprehended four individuals suspected of operating a vehicle theft syndicate that preyed on drivers from e-hailing platforms like Bolt and Uber.

Police Commissioner Ahmed Sanusi announced the arrests, detailing how the suspects operated. They would book rides as regular passengers on e-hailing platforms. Once inside the vehicle, they would attack the drivers, dispossessing them of their cars and any valuables.

The arrests were made on July 7, 2026, following credible intelligence gathered by the command's Violent Crime Response Unit. The suspects have been identified as Ibrahim Ismail, Ahmed Omar, Rizku Asehu, and Omar Abubakar. During the operation, police recovered two stolen vehicles: an ash-colored Toyota RAV4 and a grey Honda Civic.

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The suspects operated by posing as regular passengers booking commercial vehicles through e-ride platforms before attacking the drivers, dispossessing them of their vehicles and other valuables.

Sanusi stated that preliminary investigations confirm the modus operandi of the syndicate. He assured the public that the suspects would face charges in court upon the conclusion of investigations. The police commissioner highlighted these arrests as part of ongoing efforts to combat violent crimes within the FCT.

He attributed the success to intelligence provided by residents and urged the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely information. Sanusi reiterated that security is a collective responsibility and pledged that the command would maintain its offensive against criminal elements operating in and around the FCT. Additionally, police arrested a suspected kidnapper and logistics supplier linked to a recent abduction in the Mpape area.

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The achievements I present to you underscore the importance of partnership with the public and timely intelligence sharing in enhancing our efforts to keep the Federal Capital Territory safe for all residents and visitors alike.