The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested 14 suspected members of a car theft and robbery syndicate and recovered 17 stolen vehicles in a series of coordinated operations across Abuja.
The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists at the command headquarters, stating that the arrests followed intensified intelligence-led operations conducted from March 2026 to date.
According to him, the operations were carried out by police divisions in Mabushi, Durumi, Maitama, and the Central Police Station, targeting crimes such as vehicle theft, “one chance” robbery, and related offences.
Sanusi explained that the suspects were linked to multiple criminal activities, including vehicles snatched at gunpoint, cars stolen from parking areas, and the use of stolen vehicles for further criminal operations. He added that some of the recovered vehicles had already been returned to their owners, while others are pending identification.
The police chief also revealed that operatives foiled a “one chance” robbery attempt on April 10 along a deserted road within the capital city. He said officers on patrol intercepted a suspicious vehicle, prompting the suspects to open fire.
“The officers responded decisively, injuring and arresting one of the suspects, while others fled into nearby bushes,” he said.
Sanusi noted that two female victims were rescued from the vehicle, where they had been tied up. One of the victims alleged that she was sexually assaulted by a member of the gang.
He further disclosed that a fleeing suspect, identified as Cornelius Abang, was later tracked and arrested. During interrogation, the victims reportedly identified him as the individual who tied them up and carried out the assault before their rescue.
The suspects remain in police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, the commissioner said.
In a related development, Sanusi confirmed the arraignment of a content creator, Pam Joshua, accused of circulating a misleading video alleging bandit attacks in Abuja.
He said Joshua has been arraigned before a competent court on charges of injurious falsehood and breach of public peace and has been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending trial.
The commissioner urged residents to rely on verified information from security agencies, warning that the spread of false information capable of causing panic remains a punishable offence.
