The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has successfully apprehended 23 suspects linked to armed robbery and vehicle theft operations across Abuja. Authorities have recovered 13 stolen cars, which the suspects allegedly stole and later rebranded and sold with the assistance of their accomplices.
In Abuja on Wednesday, the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, presented the suspects to the public. He explained that the arrests are part of ongoing efforts by the command to secure lives and property in the capital.
Details of the Arrests and Suspect Profiles
Commissioner Disu provided a breakdown of the arrests, revealing that the police had detained key members of a notorious gang specializing in armed robbery and car theft. Among those arrested were:
- Aji Thomas (32) from Gwoza, Borno State
- Amobi Ndukwu (40) from Agwu, Enugu State
- Amachi Sampson (26) from Imo State
These suspects are reportedly part of a four-man gang led by a man known only as “Chiderbere,” who remains at large. According to the police, this group has been active within the FCT as well as Nasarawa, Kaduna, and Kano States.
Criminal Operations
Commissioner Disu described how the gang targets unsuspecting victims, typically following them to secluded locations before striking. They reportedly strip their victims of valuables, including cars, which they swiftly prepare for sale. The suspects disable any tracking devices they find in the stolen vehicles, then transport the cars to other states where they have buyers ready to receive them.
The police also noted that two of the suspects, Thomas and Ndukwe, are ex-convicts. Both had previously been arrested, convicted, and released but rejoined their former associates.
Sting Operation and Key Confessions
The suspects were arrested during a sting operation where they attempted to sell a blue Toyota Corolla with registration number KTW 2155D to an undercover officer. During interrogation, they admitted to operating mainly in Abuja’s Garki area for the past year and a half. They confessed to several car thefts within the city.
Arrest of a Key Receiver of Stolen Vehicles
In addition to the main suspects, the police also detained Joseph Abang, a suspected receiver of stolen cars. Abang was arrested in Jos, Plateau State, with a stolen Honda Accord (2006 model, ash color, registration RBC 40 NW) in his possession. The vehicle’s original owner, Mr. Philemon Olaoluwa, had given the car to his mechanic, Abdulhamid Saidu, who then disappeared with it and sold it to Abang.
Upon tracking, police found the car with Abang in Rayfield, Jos. Abang confessed that he specializes in receiving, rebranding, and selling stolen cars obtained from his network. He was arrested at his workshop, where two additional vehicles, a Hyundai Accent and a Peugeot 208 suspected to be stolen were also found undergoing rebranding.
Ongoing Investigations and Safety Assurance
Commissioner Disu assured residents that the FCT Command will continue to target criminal operations and uphold safety in Abuja. The police urge citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to assist ongoing efforts to curb crime in the capital.
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