In a major security breakthrough, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command announced the arrest of 23 suspects and the recovery of 13 stolen vehicles linked to various armed robbery and car theft syndicates.

During a press briefing, FCT Commissioner of Police CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu highlighted the arrests of multiple suspects involved in armed robbery, car theft, and “one chance” operations, as well as the recovery of stolen vehicles and firearms.

In one operation, three suspects linked to a notorious armed robbery and car theft gang—Aji Thomas, Amobi Ndukwe, and Amaechi Sampson—were apprehended while attempting to sell a stolen blue Toyota Corolla. The gang, active across FCT, Nassarawa, Kaduna, and Kano, used elaborate methods to evade capture, including removing vehicle tracking devices. Two of the suspects, both ex-convicts, were found to be repeat offenders.

Another significant arrest involved the recovery of a stolen Honda Accord traced to Jos, Plateau State. The vehicle, stolen by a mechanic posing as a repairman, was located through digital tracking, leading to the arrest of Joseph Abang, a known handler who rebrands and sells stolen cars.

On October 21, police engaged a group of armed robbers in a gunfight at Jahi, resulting in the neutralization of two suspects and the capture of four vehicles. Two suspects, Haruna Umar Abdullahi and Yerima Mohammed Usman, were arrested, with two more apprehended in a follow-up operation. The suspects confessed to being part of a larger gang operating across Mabushi and Jahi.

The command also dismantled a notorious “one chance” gang involved in impersonating security personnel, demanding ransoms from victims, and operating along major routes in FCT. Twelve suspects were arrested, and 13 vehicles, as well as a locally made pistol, were recovered. The gang, led by the now-deceased suspect Giwa, had been active for over a year before recent arrests concluded the investigation.

The FCT Command’s recent successes demonstrate its commitment to securing the region, with CP Disu emphasizing that all suspects will be prosecuted as investigations conclude.

This operation, led by Commissioner of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu, underscores the command’s intensified efforts to combat crime and ensure the safety of residents across the FCT.