…Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, Leads Major Operation Against Vehicle Theft in FCT
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has dismantled a notorious car theft syndicate specializing in receiving, rebranding, and selling stolen vehicles, recovering three cars in the process. The operation, led by FCT Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, underscores the Command’s commitment to combating vehicle theft in the nation’s capital.
The crackdown followed a report filed on October 10, 2024, by Mr. Philemon Olaoluwa at the Central Police Divisional Headquarters. Mr. Olaoluwa reported his 2006 ash-colored Honda Accord, with registration number RBC 40 NW, missing. After a recommendation from a friend, he had engaged a mechanic named Abdulhamid Saidu from Apo Mechanic Village to repair the car, unaware of Saidu’s criminal intentions. Upon receiving the vehicle, Saidu, who is currently at large, disappeared with it instead of performing the repairs.
Thanks to the Digital Tracking technology installed in the car, police operatives traced it to Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State, where it was found with a suspect, Steven Abang. Abang is known to police as a key figure in the stolen vehicle trade, specializing in rebranding and reselling pilfered cars. During interrogation, Abang confessed that he received the stolen vehicle from his accomplice, Saidu.
A search of Abang’s workshop uncovered two additional vehicles, a Hyundai Accent and a Peugeot 208, both suspected to be stolen and undergoing rebranding. Abang admitted to having a network of buyers and revealed that he had rebranded and sold over 16 stolen vehicles in the last four years.
Abang is now in police custody and will face court proceedings following the completion of further investigations.
The FCT Police Command urges residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to assist in the fight against car theft and other crimes. Emergency contact numbers for the FCT Police are as follows:
- 08032003913
- 08028940883
- 08061581938
- 07057337653
Additional contact numbers:
- PCB: 09022222352
- CRU: 08107314192
- PPRO FCT: 07038979348
The Command appreciates the public’s cooperation in maintaining security across the FCT.