On August 7, 2024, operatives from the Zone 7 Police Command Headquarters, responsible for overseeing the Federal Capital Territory, executed a significant operation that resulted in the arrest of multiple suspects linked to a series of car thefts, armed robberies, and even murder. This successful crackdown was spearheaded by actionable intelligence gathered in partnership with the Niger State Police Command.
According to a statement released by M.B. Abdulkadir, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Zone, the police were able to apprehend four individuals identified as Solomon Nuhu, 22; Faruk Umar, 17; Bolaji Yusuf, 34; and Lawal Yusuf, 38. These suspects are facing serious charges that include car snatching, robbery, possession of prohibited firearms, and murder, in addition to criminal conspiracy.
The operation came to a head when police detectives from the Special Investigation Squad, acting on intelligence reports, located and arrested one Haruna Akubo, also known by the alias Young Alhaji. This led to the recovery of five suspected stolen vehicles from L.Y Nadabo Motors, situated near the One Man Village Shopping Centre in the Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Further investigations culminated in the arrest of two additional suspects, Bolaji Yusuf, aged 34, and Abubakar Umar, at Heart Plaza in Maraba. During this arrest, Bolaji was found in possession of two vehicle master keys, three stolen mobile phones, and a bunch of car keys, indicating a deeper involvement in the criminal activities.
In a detailed account of the operation, Abdulkadir disclosed that preliminary investigations enabled detectives to recover an impressive array of stolen goods, including 32 mobile phones of various brands, as well as a 9mm Beretta pistol loaded with live ammunition. This firearm was traced back to Solomon Nuhu, who claimed to have purchased it from Faruk Umar for N130,000.
The police also uncovered a disturbing aspect of their investigation when they reported the recovery of additional stolen vehicles in the Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State. Among these vehicles was a Lexus IS 250, which tragically had an owner who was murdered during the vehicle theft. The individual responsible for this heinous act, identified as Ibrahim Umar, also known as Godiya, remains at large.
In total, the police operation resulted in the recovery of 10 vehicles with tampered chassis numbers, as well as various laptops and mobile phones. The Assistant Inspector-General of Police overseeing the zone, Ogundele Ayodeji, has mandated a thorough investigation into these cases. Following the completion of this investigation, the apprehended suspects will face prosecution in court.
In light of these developments, the police are urging citizens in the Federal Capital Territory to remain vigilant while going about their daily activities. They are encouraged to report any suspicious behavior to the authorities, reaffirming the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to safeguarding lives and properties throughout the region.
