The Nigeria Police Force, through the Force Intelligence Department – Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS), has arrested three notorious armed robbery suspects and recovered 10 stolen vehicles in Kaduna State.

The suspects: Abubakar Musa (36), Hassan Umar (30), and Joshua Raphael (20), were apprehended on March 16, 2026.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the principal suspect, Abubakar Musa, is a dismissed corporal of the Nigerian Army who has been impersonating a serving soldier to evade detection while carrying out armed robbery operations with his accomplices.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, further findings indicate that the syndicate specialised in the theft and movement of stolen vehicles, often removing or altering registration details to conceal their identity and ownership.

The operation led to the recovery of 10 vehicles of various brands, including Toyota Hilux trucks, Toyota Corolla cars, a Pontiac Vibe GT, a Honda vehicle, a Lexus car, and a Toyota RAV4 SUV, with several of the vehicles found without registration numbers.

Placid said investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover additional exhibits.

“The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, commended the operatives for their professionalism and reiterates the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to combating criminal activities and ensuring the safety of lives and property”, he added. (The Nation)

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