The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a vehicle theft syndicate accused of targeting Bolt and Uber drivers by posing as passengers before stealing their vehicles and valuables. The arrests form part of the command’s wider crackdown on violent crime across Abuja.
Speaking at the police headquarters on Monday, Commissioner of Police Ahmed Sanusi said operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit arrested the suspects on 7 July 2026 after acting on credible intelligence. According to him, the suspects allegedly booked rides through e-hailing platforms before attacking the drivers.
“The suspects operated by posing as regular passengers booking commercial vehicles through e-ride platforms before attacking the drivers, dispossessing them of their vehicles and other valuables,” Sanusi said.
The suspects were identified as Ibrahim Ismail, Ahmed Omar, Rizku Asehu, and Omar Abubakar. Police recovered two stolen vehicles during the operation, including an ash-coloured Toyota RAV4 with registration number YAB 240 DL and a grey Honda Civic with registration number ABC 72 JP. The vehicle theft syndicate suspects will face prosecution after investigations are completed.
In a separate operation, the FCT Police Command also arrested Oumar Odunda, an alleged member of a kidnapping gang linked to the 8 July abduction at Yellow House in Mpape. Sanusi said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested the suspect in Gedabri Village, Nasarawa State, on 10 July during a follow-up investigation.
The police commissioner explained that Odunda allegedly supplied illicit drugs, logistics, and other materials used by kidnappers. He stated, “Our investigations have revealed that kidnapping gangs do not operate on weapons and ransom alone. They also rely on a steady supply of illicit drugs, stimulants and logistics to sustain their criminal activities.” He further added, “During interrogation, the suspect was identified as a major supplier of hard drugs, logistics and other illicit substances, as well as a member of the kidnappers who attacked the Yellow House area in Mpape.”
Police said the suspect led investigators to three gang hideouts in Nasarawa State, where officers recovered an AK-47 rifle, large quantities of suspected drugs, two ATM cards, a digital weighing scale, bags, and ₦250,000 in cash.
Sanusi urged residents to continue sharing useful information with security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains vital in tackling crime. He assured residents that the command would continue its operations against criminal networks across the Federal Capital Territory.
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