The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested two notorious members of a car-snatching syndicate operating across Abuja, recovering three stolen vehicles and other exhibits in the process.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested two notorious members of a car-snatching syndicate operating across Abuja, recovering three stolen vehicles and other exhibits in the process.
Spokesperson of the Command, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed in a statement on Friday that operatives of the Scorpion Squad, acting on credible digital intelligence between August 19 and 21, 2025, trailed and arrested the suspects identified as Solomon Fanen Manger, 34, and Solomon Yande, 45, both from Benue State.
“The suspects confessed to being long-time members of a syndicate specializing in the theft of high-value vehicles, particularly Toyota Prado SUVs and Toyota Hilux trucks. They admitted to operating mainly around Wuse, Garki and the Central Area,” Adeh said.
According to police investigations, the gang had stolen three Toyota Prado SUVs, two Toyota Hilux vehicles, and a Toyota Camry within August alone, which they reportedly sold for between ₦7 million and ₦8 million each. The suspects further revealed that their gang leader, known simply as ‘Alhaji’, operates from Niger Republic, where the stolen vehicles are received and disposed of.
Recovered items from the operation include a stolen Toyota Hilux with registration number FCTA 13B100CT, their operational black Toyota Matrix (ABC 85 NW), an electronic car jammer, and five rounds of 7.62x39mm live ammunition.
In a separate operation on August 22, 2025, at about 8:40 p.m., operatives of Karu Division on routine surveillance patrol around NEPA Quarters, Karu, intercepted Daniel Oguata from Kogi State while attempting to steal a Toyota Picnic with registration number RBC 322 JR. He was promptly arrested, and the vehicle recovered.
All the suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao S. Adewale, commended the officers for their diligence and assured residents of the Command’s determination to rid the FCT of violent criminals.
“He urged residents to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938,” the statement added.
FCT Police Bust Notorious Car-Snatching Syndicate, Recover Stolen Vehicles
