FCT Police Smash Car Snatching Syndicate, Recover Vehicles

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested members of a notorious armed robbery and car-snatching syndicate, recovering three stolen vehicles in two separate operations.

This was disclosed in a statement on Friday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, who said operatives of the Scorpion Squad, acting on credible intelligence, trailed and apprehended the suspects between August 19 and 21, 2025.

The suspects, identified as Solomon Fanen Manger, 34, and Solomon Yande, 45, both from Benue State, confessed to belonging to a long-standing criminal gang specializing in stealing high-value vehicles, particularly Toyota Prado SUVs and Toyota Hilux trucks. They admitted to carrying out their operations mainly around Wuse, Garki, and the Central Area.

According to police findings, the gang stole three Toyota Prado SUVs, two white Toyota Hilux trucks, and a black Toyota Camry in August alone, which were sold for between ₦7 million and ₦8 million each. The suspects further revealed that their leader, known only as “Alhaji,” is based in Niger Republic, where he coordinates the disposal of the stolen vehicles.

Items recovered from the suspects included a stolen Toyota Hilux with registration number FCTA 13B100CT, a black Toyota Matrix used for operations with registration number ABC 85 NW, an electronic car jammer, and five rounds of 7.62x39mm live ammunition.

In a separate incident, police operatives from Karu Division, on routine surveillance patrol around NEPA Quarters on August 22, arrested one Daniel Oguata from Kogi State while attempting to steal a Toyota Picnic with registration number RBC 322 JR. The suspect was apprehended on the spot and the vehicle recovered.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao S. Adewale, commended the officers for their swift action and assured residents of the Command’s commitment to rid the FCT of violent criminals. He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements through the Command’s emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08061581938.