The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has dismantled a notorious armed robbery and car-snatching syndicate, arresting key suspects and recovering multiple stolen vehicles in two separate operations.
The arrests, which took place between August 19 and 21, 2025, followed an intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the Command’s Scorpion Squad.
Acting on credible digital intelligence, officers trailed and arrested two prime suspects: Solomon Fanen Manger, 34, and Solomon Yande, 45, both from Benue State.
Police sources said the duo confessed to being long-time members of a criminal network that specializes in stealing high-value vehicles, particularly Toyota Prado SUVs and Toyota Hilux trucks, across Abuja.
Their main areas of operation include Wuse, Garki, and the Central Area.
Investigations revealed that the syndicate is linked to an international car trafficking ring allegedly coordinated by one “Alhaji” (real name unknown), who operates from Niger Republic.
The stolen cars are reportedly smuggled across the border and sold for between ₦7 million and ₦8 million each.
Within August alone, the gang was responsible for the theft of: three Toyota Prado SUVs; two white Toyota Hilux vehicles and one black Toyota Camry.
The operation also led to the recovery of a Toyota Hilux (Reg. No. FCTA 13B100CT), the suspects’ operational black Toyota Matrix (Reg. No. ABC 85 NW), an electronic car jammer, and five rounds of 7.62x39mm live ammunition.
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In a related development, operatives of the Karu Division, while on routine patrol on August 22, 2025, intercepted a suspect identified as Daniel Oguata of Kogi State.
Oguata was caught attempting to steal a Toyota Picnic (Reg. No. RBC 322 JR) around NEPA Quarters, Karu.
He was promptly arrested and the stolen vehicle recovered.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, commended the officers involved in the operations, stressing the command’s unwavering commitment to fighting violent crime and protecting residents.
“The command will continue to deploy intelligence and operational strategies to dismantle criminal networks in the FCT.
“We urge residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities immediately,” Adewale stated.
