The Federal Capital Territory Police (FCT) Command of Nigeria Police Force, has foiled a car-snatching attempt and recovered three vehicles, after an armed confrontation with robbers around the Efab Bridge in Galadima area of Abuja.

The incident, according to a press statement issued by the Command’s Spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, occurred at about 7:43 pm on Friday, when operatives attached to the Galadima Division were conducting a stop-and-search operation in the area.

Adeh said the officers were alerted to danger after hearing a gunshot a short distance from their duty post, prompting an immediate response.

“On 12th December 2025 at about 7:43 pm, police operatives conducting a routine stop-and-search operation around Efab Bridge heard a gunshot a short distance from their position. The officers immediately moved to investigate the source of the sound.”

She explained that upon arriving at the scene, the operatives encountered armed resistance from the suspects, who attempted to escape with two vehicles.

“On approaching the scene, the operatives encountered four armed men who opened fire on them while attempting to escape with two vehicles: a Hyundai Elantra (2014 model) with registration number DKA 776 FW, and a Lexus IS 250 (2008 model) with registration number KWL 530 BM,” Adeh stated.

The police spokesperson said the operatives responded tactically, forcing the suspects to abandon the vehicles and flee.

“The police officers responded promptly and tactically, applying superior firepower which forced the suspects to abandon the vehicles and flee the scene,” the statement added.

She disclosed that the police recovered not only the two stolen vehicles but also the suspects’ operational vehicle at the scene.

“As a result of the pressure mounted by the police, all three vehicles involved in the incident, including the suspects’ operational vehicle, a white colored Volkswagen vehicle, were recovered at the scene.”

SP Adeh said investigations were already underway to track down the fleeing suspects.

“Investigations are ongoing to identify, track, and apprehend the suspects involved in the incident,” she said.

While commending the operatives for their swift response, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Miller Dantawaye, reaffirmed the command’s resolve to protect residents and disrupt criminal activity across the territory.

“While commending the swift and proactive response of the operatives, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Command to crime prevention and the protection of lives and property across the Federal Capital Territory,” the statement said.

The police commissioner also called on residents to support security efforts by remaining alert and cooperating with law enforcement.

“He further urged members of the public to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and to promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the FCT Police Command emergency numbers: 08032003913, 08028940883.” (Nigerian Tribune)

Update news