The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has achieved a remarkable feat by recovering a stolen vehicle just 30 minutes after it was snatched in Garki, Abuja. The vehicle, a black Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep with registration number ABC 797, was taken at gunpoint by five armed men on April 23, 2025, at approximately 8:35 PM.
The assailants, dressed in black clothing, intercepted the vehicle belonging to Alhaji Nasiru Aminu while firing shots into the air to intimidate bystanders and prevent any interference. After taking control of the vehicle, the suspects sped off, leaving the scene quickly.
Upon receiving the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Maitama Division, CSP Altine Daniel, immediately alerted the Command’s Control Room. This led to the rapid activation of the police’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the placement of stop-and-search units at key locations. Police teams were strategically positioned at various entry and exit points throughout the city, while real-time tracking of the stolen vehicle began.
Acting on intelligence gathered during the operation, the police closed in on the suspects. In an attempt to evade capture, the criminals abandoned the stolen vehicle under Banex Bridge and escaped in a getaway car. Within just 30 minutes, the police had successfully recovered the vehicle, which was found intact and with 9mm ammunition inside. By 9:00 PM, the vehicle had been returned to its rightful owner.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are believed to be part of a notorious car-snatching syndicate operating in the Wuse and Maitama areas. The group has long been under the surveillance of the police, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the gang.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao S. Adewale, praised the quick response and professionalism of the officers involved in the operation. He also urged residents to install digital tracking devices in their vehicles to help deter car theft and facilitate faster recovery in case of theft.
“The Command remains committed to proactive policing, intelligence-led operations, and the protection of lives and property within the FCT,” CP Adewale highlighted through the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Josephine Adeh.
The successful recovery highlights the importance of swift police action and collaboration with modern technology in fighting crime within the city.
