IBY
Peterside Rejoice Eneky
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT)l Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in the fight against crime, with the recovery of 21 stolen vehicles and arrest of 1,611 suspects during a series of coordinated operations in April 2025.
This was revealed by the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao S. Adewale, psc, mnips, during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters on Thursday. The operations, he said, were intelligence driven and targeted at curbing the rise in car theft and drug-related crimes within the FCT.
According to CP Adewale, the Command carried out extensive raids on identified blackspots and criminal hideouts across the territory. The crackdown, which was supported by other security agencies and local vigilante groups, led to the arrest of suspects linked to a range of offences.
The Commissioner noted that 15 individuals were specifically arrested in connection with various incidents of car theft. Out of the 21 recovered vehicles, six have already been returned to their rightful owners, while 13 were displayed during the press briefing.
Giving details of the arrests, CP Adewale said that on April 11, police operatives attached to the Central Police Station intercepted a 1999 Toyota Camry, popularly known as “pencil light,” being driven suspiciously near the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission. The driver, Hassan Bukar, attempted to escape but was apprehended.
Investigations revealed that the vehicle had been stolen from the Commission’s premises. A bunch of master keys used in vehicle theft was recovered from the suspect, who confessed to plans of selling the car in Kaduna State.
In another case, on April 10, one Daniel James reported to the police that his mechanic, Abdulazeez Auwal Salisu, had disappeared with his 2011 Toyota Camry. The car was traced to a buyer in Gwarinpa, and the suspect, Alex Lucky Ologhosele, was arrested. The vehicle was recovered, while Abdulazeez remains at large.
Also, on March 4, the Command recovered an official Hilux vehicle that had been stolen by its assigned driver, Abubakar Sadio. The driver had driven the vehicle away on March 3 and was apprehended in Kaduna while trying to sell it. Another unregistered Hilux was also found in his possession.
On April 28, five men attempting to sell a stolen Mercedes Benz E-400 were arrested in Life Camp. The suspects Suleiman Idris, Isyaku Habibu, Ganiyu Sadiq, Idowu Akintunde, and Bello Muyideen were caught after a potential buyer alerted police about the suspicious transaction. The vehicle was confirmed to have been stolen from Lagos.
The Command also carried out massive anti drug raids between April 30 and May 1. A total of 1,488 suspects were arrested in a joint operation with the Army, local hunters, and other security outfits. These operations took place in several high crime zones within the FCT.
Exhibits recovered during these raids include large quantities of cannabis, methamphetamine, tramadol, codeine, ziphanol, Exol, diazepam, and other narcotics. Non-drug items recovered include 149 mobile phones, 14 laptops, 10 tablets, 109 ATM cards, 15 motorcycles, 10 POS machines, and two generator sets.
The Commissioner praised the joint effort of all security agencies and urged residents to view security as a collective responsibility. He reiterated the importance of sharing timely information with the police and remaining vigilant in their neighborhoods.
CP Adewale also advised car owners to adopt basic safety measures such as installing tracking devices, pedal locks, and steering wheel locks to prevent vehicle theft.
“During our investigations, we observed that many criminals use sophisticated tools to bypass car security systems. Simple devices like tracking systems can deter them or aid recovery,” he said. “I want to strongly urge residents to install car trackers. These devices are no longer luxury they are a necessity in today’s security environment.”
He further encouraged community members to be alert and to know the people around them. “It is important to know who your neighbor is and what they do. This awareness can help in preventing crimes,” he added.
The Commissioner concluded by reaffirming the Command’s commitment to making the FCT a safer place for all residents. He said that all suspects currently in custody will be charged to court as investigations conclude.
“We remain relentless in our fight against criminal elements. The safety and security of all residents remain our top priority,” he said.
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