The Federal Capital Territory Police Command reported on Wednesday the arrest of 14 members of a car theft and robbery syndicate, as well as the recovery of 17 stolen automobiles in Abuja.
Addressing journalists at the command headquarters, Commissioner of Police Ahmed Sanusi stated that the arrests were the result of intensive intelligence-led operations that began in March 2026 and have continued to this day.
He stated that the operations, carried out by divisions such as Mabushi, Durumi, Maitama, and the Central Police Station, focused on vehicle theft, “one chance” robbery, and other similar offenses.
Sanusi revealed that the suspects were linked to incidents involving vehicles abducted at gunpoint, stolen from parking lots, and employed in illicit operations.
“Through intelligence-led operations and strategic deployments, we arrested fourteen suspects and recovered seventeen vehicles,” he said, adding that some of the recovered vehicles had already been returned to their owners, while others were awaiting identification.
The police chief further disclosed that on April 10, operatives foiled a “one chance” robbery plot on a desolate road in Abuja.
According to him, officers on patrol stopped a suspicious vehicle, forcing the suspects to open fire.
“The officers responded decisively, injuring and arresting one of the suspects, while others fled into nearby bushes,” he said.
He went on to say that two female victims were recovered from the truck where they had been tied up and that one of them claimed to have been raped by a gang member.
Sanusi added, “In a follow-up investigation, one Cornelius Abang, a member of the gang who had fled the scene, was trailed and arrested.
“During interrogation, the victims positively identified him as the suspect who tied and raped one of them in the vehicle before their rescue. The suspects are still in custody and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.”
He also stated that a content creator, Pam Joshua, accused of circulating a misleading video suggesting bandit attacks in Abuja, had been arraigned.
“Pam Joshua has been arraigned before a competent court of law for injurious falsehood and breach of public peace and has been remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre pending trial,” he said.
Sanusi asked locals to double-check security-related information with relevant authorities, emphasizing that spreading false information with the intent to cause panic is still a crime.
The arrests and recoveries come amid growing concerns over auto theft and “one chance” robberies in Abuja, where locals have frequently urged for tighter security measures.
In recent months, the Nigeria Police Force has increased intelligence-led operations and patrols throughout the FCT to combat criminal syndicates that target motorists and commuters.
