In a surprising security breach in the heart of Nigeria’s capital, a black Toyota Hilux vehicle belonging to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Nuhu Ribadu, was stolen in broad daylight while an official was observing Juma’at prayers.
The incident happened on Friday, April 11, 2025, around 1:05 p.m. near the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) office in Area 10, Garki — one of the busiest areas in Abuja. According to eyewitnesses and security sources, the ONSA official had parked the vehicle and joined other worshippers at a nearby mosque for the Friday congregational prayers.
Upon returning from the mosque, the official was shocked to discover that the vehicle had vanished without a trace.
The incident was quickly reported to the Garki Police Division around 2:00 p.m., prompting an immediate response from law enforcement. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command swiftly activated a city-wide search operation.
A source familiar with the matter, security analyst Zagazola Makama, first shared details of the theft on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, sparking public concern and conversations about Abuja’s growing insecurity.
Confirming the development, the FCT Police Command announced that it had launched a stop-and-search operation across the capital, covering key checkpoints, strategic locations, and all major entry and exit points.
“We have activated all necessary protocols to recover the stolen vehicle and bring the suspects to justice,” a police spokesperson said. “Investigations are ongoing, and we urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement.”
The stolen vehicle reportedly bore markings linking it to the Office of the National Security Adviser — the country’s top intelligence and security coordination office. The boldness of the theft has raised serious questions about public safety, even in supposedly secure zones of the Federal Capital Territory.
While car thefts are not new in Abuja, the fact that a government vehicle linked to the country’s top security office could be stolen in a high-security area during broad daylight has sparked outrage and concern.
“If this can happen to a vehicle tied to the National Security Adviser, what about ordinary citizens?” one social media user asked, echoing a common sentiment shared across online platforms since the news broke.
Area 10, Garki, where the incident occurred, is a known government and commercial hub in Abuja. It houses several offices, banks, shops, and popular mosques that attract large gatherings on Fridays. While the area often has a noticeable security presence, its high foot traffic and busy nature make it a soft target for criminals during prayer times, when many vehicle owners leave their cars unattended.
The Friday Juma’at prayer typically draws hundreds of worshippers, and with most attention focused on the religious service, security lapses often occur. Criminals have been known to exploit this brief window of distraction, and Friday’s incident appears to be one such case.
Theft of vehicles, especially in the FCT, has become an increasing problem in recent years. Many victims report cars stolen from parking lots, residential areas, or public gatherings. Despite ongoing efforts by security agencies to reduce such crimes, success has been limited.
As of the time of this report, the Office of the National Security Adviser has not released an official statement on the stolen vehicle. It remains unclear if the vehicle contained any sensitive materials, documents, or communication devices at the time it was taken.
However, sources say the vehicle was not carrying the National Security Adviser himself, Nuhu Ribadu, but rather an official under his office, whose identity has not been made public.
Given the importance of the ONSA to national security — coordinating intelligence from various agencies and advising the president on critical security matters — any breach or compromise is taken seriously.
The FCT Police Command has promised to leave no stone unturned in its effort to recover the stolen Hilux. Officers have reportedly been dispatched to key locations within and around the city, while surveillance footage from nearby buildings is being reviewed to trace the movement of the thieves.
“The Command is working tirelessly to ensure the perpetrators are caught,” the police spokesperson added. “
The incident has once again put the spotlight on security gaps within Nigeria’s capital. Many citizens feel that if criminals can steal a government vehicle in broad daylight and get away — even if temporarily — then more must be done to ensure public safety.
With Abuja being home to top government institutions, foreign embassies, and key infrastructures, the expectation is that security should be top-notch. But Friday’s theft shows that even the seat of government is not immune from everyday criminal activities.
