The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested 14 suspected members of a car theft and robbery syndicate and recovered 17 stolen vehicles in a series of coordinated operations across Abuja. The arrests, made between March 2026 and the present, were the result of intelligence-led operations conducted by police divisions in Mabushi, Durumi, Maitama, and the Central Police Station. Commissioner of Police Ahmed Sanusi disclosed the details during a press briefing at the command headquarters on Wednesday, highlighting the ongoing efforts to curb vehicle theft, “one chance” robbery, and related crimes in the capital.
The suspects were linked to multiple criminal activities, including snatching vehicles at gunpoint, stealing cars from parking areas, and using stolen vehicles to commit further offenses. Some of the recovered vehicles have already been returned to their rightful owners, while others are still undergoing identification processes. The police also foiled a “one chance” robbery attempt on April 10 along a deserted road in Abuja. Officers on patrol intercepted a suspicious vehicle, which led to an exchange of gunfire.
“Officers responded decisively, injuring and arresting one suspect, while others fled into nearby bushes,” Sanusi stated. Two female victims were rescued from the vehicle, where they had been tied up. One of the victims alleged that she was sexually assaulted by a member of the gang before being rescued. A fleeing suspect, identified as Cornelius Abang, was later tracked and apprehended. During interrogation, the victims identified him as the person who tied them up and committed the assault.
The 14 suspects remain in police custody and will be charged to court once investigations are completed. In a separate development, Sanusi confirmed the arraignment of content creator Pam Joshua, who is accused of circulating a misleading video alleging bandit attacks in Abuja. Joshua has been charged with injurious falsehood and breach of public peace and is currently remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending trial. The commissioner urged residents to rely on verified information from official security sources, warning that spreading false information capable of inciting panic is a punishable offense.
The police’s intensified operations reflect a broader commitment to restoring security and public confidence in Abuja. With continued intelligence-driven actions and public cooperation, authorities aim to dismantle criminal networks and ensure safer communities across the FCT.
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