By UZOMA ODUIGWE, Editorial Consultant

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has recorded a swift operational success with the recovery of a black Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep, with registration number ABC 797, which was snatched at gunpoint by five armed men in Garki on April 23, 2025.

The Incident occurred at exactly 8:35 PM, when the assailants, dressed in black, firing sporadically into the air to scare off passersby, intercepted the vehicle belonging to one Alhaji Nasiru Aminu, took possession of it and fled the scene in the stolen vehicle.

Upon receiving the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer immediately alerted the Command’s Control Room, which promptly alerted the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), placed all stop-and-search units on high alert with some other Police teams strategically deployed to major entry and exit points across the city.

Surveillance efforts, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Maitama Division, CSP Altine Daniel, and supported by the Police Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU), were also employed as well as real-time tracking of the stolen vehicle commenced.

Acting swiftly on actionable intelligence, the police operatives closed-in on the suspects, who in a bid to escape abandoned the vehicle under Banex Bridge and escaped in a pre-arranged getaway car.

The vehicle was recovered 30 minutes later after initial report intact by 9:00 PM – within 30 minutes of the initial report. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 9mm ammunition. The rightful owner has been contacted, and arrangements are underway for the formal release of the recovered vehicle.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects are members of a notorious syndicate known for a string of car-snatching and armed robbery incidents within the Wuse and Maitama axis. The group has long been on the Command’s watchlist, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members.

The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao S. Adewale, commended the professionalism and rapid response of the officers involved in the operation. He further encouraged residents to install digital tracking devices in their vehicles to facilitate swift recovery and deter criminal activity.

“The Command remains committed to proactive policing, intelligence-led operations, and the protection of lives and property within the FCT,” CP Adewale through the PPRO, SP Josephine Adeh said.