The Federal Capital Territory Police Command on Wednesday announced the arrest of 14 suspected members of a car theft and robbery syndicate, as well as the recovery of 17 stolen vehicles across Abuja.

Addressing journalists at the command headquarters, the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, said the arrests followed intensified intelligence-led operations conducted from March 2026 to date.

He said the operations, carried out by divisions including Mabushi, Durumi, Maitama, and the Central Police Station, targeted vehicle theft, “one chance” robbery, and other related crimes.

Sanusi disclosed that the suspects were linked to cases involving vehicles snatched at gunpoint, cars stolen from parking locations, and those used for criminal operations.

“Through intelligence-led operations and strategic deployments, we arrested fourteen suspects and recovered seventeen vehicles,” he said, adding that some of the recovered vehicles had already been returned to their owners, while others were awaiting identification.

The police boss also revealed that operatives foiled a “one chance” robbery operation on April 10 along a deserted road in Abuja.

According to him, officers on patrol intercepted a suspicious vehicle, prompting the suspects to open fire.

“The officers responded decisively, injuring and arresting one of the suspects, while others fled into nearby bushes,” he said.

He added that two female victims were rescued from the vehicle, where they had been tied up, noting that one of them alleged she was raped by a member of the gang.

Sanusi added, “In a follow-up investigation, one Cornelius Abang, a member of the gang who had fled the scene, was trailed and arrested.

“During interrogation, the victims positively identified him as the suspect who tied and raped one of them in the vehicle before their rescue. The suspects are still in custody and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.”

He further stated that a content creator, Pam Joshua, accused of circulating a misleading video suggesting bandit attacks in Abuja, had been arraigned.

“Pam Joshua has been arraigned before a competent court of law for injurious falsehood and breach of public peace, and has been remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre pending trial,” he said.

Sanusi urged residents to verify security-related information with relevant authorities, stressing that the dissemination of falsehood capable of causing panic remains a criminal offence.

The arrests and recoveries come amid rising concerns over car theft and “one chance” robberies in Abuja, where residents have repeatedly called for stronger security measures.

The Nigeria Police Force has, in recent months, intensified intelligence-led operations and patrols across the FCT to curb the activities of criminal syndicates targeting motorists and commuters. (The PUNCH)

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