Navy raids vehicle theft syndicate in Abuja, arrests suspect

The Nigerian Navy has raided a vehicle syndicate linked to the theft of more than 50 vehicles across the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

It also arrested and handed over a suspect to the Nigeria police.

This is contained in a statement by the Naval Spokesman, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, on Wednesday, in Abuja.

The statement said the operation was carried out by operatives of Naval Base, Abuja, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the security architecture of the FCT through intelligence-led operations and collaboration with sister security agencies.

Folorunsho said the suspect, Mr Habeeb Ajadi, was intercepted while attempting to leave the FCT, adding that preliminary investigation revealed that he allegedly impersonated an Inspector of the Nigerian Correctional Service to facilitate his criminal activities.

The naval spokesman added that the suspect further confessed to his involvement in a vehicle theft syndicate responsible for stealing vehicles from different parts of the FCT.

According to him, investigations also revealed that the criminal network operated across state boundaries, with stolen vehicles reportedly disposed of through accomplices outside the FCT.

“Efforts are ongoing with other relevant security agencies to apprehend other members of the syndicate.

“In accordance with established inter-agency procedures, the suspect, together with relevant exhibits and evidence, has been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Capital Territory Command, for further investigation and prosecution,” the naval spokesman said.