Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have recorded a significant breakthrough in the fight against crime with the arrest of a four-man syndicate specializing in armed robbery and car snatching.
Major Bust: Syndicate Smashed, Cash and Vehicles Recovered
The successful operation, which unfolded across multiple police divisions in the nation's capital, led to the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of six stolen vehicles alongside a staggering sum of over ₦15 million in cash. According to the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the crackdown began with coordinated intelligence-led raids.
Acting on credible intelligence, police divisions in Jabi, Gwagwalada, and Mabushi first recovered three stolen vehicles, aided by digital forensic reconstruction techniques. This initial success was followed by a more extensive operation by the Command’s elite Scorpion Squad, which resulted in further arrests and the seizure of an additional four vehicles.
Kano Arrest Uncovers ₦15.2M and Cross-Border Link
The police spokesperson identified the arrested individuals as Dalhatu Bashiru (an ex-convict), Nwadigo Emmanuel, Uchenna Kalu, and Alhaji Jazuli Adamu. A pivotal moment in the investigation was the arrest of the alleged principal receiver, Alhaji Jazuli Adamu, in Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State.
Adamu was apprehended with ₦15,280,000 in cash, which investigators believe was intended as payment for a new batch of stolen vehicles. SP Adeh revealed that the syndicate had international connections, noting that Adamu worked closely with an accomplice, Alhaji Abdulkarim Gabeida Ibrahim, a citizen and resident of Niger Republic, who coordinated the resale of stolen vehicles across the border. Ibrahim is currently at large, with police intensifying efforts to track him down.
Police Urge Public Vigilance and Use of Trackers
All suspects and the recovered exhibits are currently in police custody as investigations continue to unravel the network and apprehend other fleeing members. The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, commended the officers involved for their dedication.
CP Dantawaye also issued a strong advisory to vehicle owners, urging them to install functional tracking devices to aid in the quick recovery of their property in the event of theft. He further encouraged residents to actively support police operations by providing timely and credible information through the Command’s emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08061581938.
The arrest has sparked reactions from Nigerians online, with many applauding the police while others expressed concerns about the pervasive security challenges, even in the federal capital.
