TDThe Nigeria Police Force has recorded a significant operational success in its ongoing campaign against violent crime, announcing the arrest of three notorious armed robbery suspects and the recovery of ten stolen vehicles in Kaduna State.
The operation was executed by the Force Intelligence Department – Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS), a specialized unit tasked with tackling organized crime across the country.
The suspects, identified as Abubakar Musa (36), Hassan Umar (30), and Joshua Raphael (20), were apprehended during a coordinated raid in Kaduna.
Background of the Syndicate
Preliminary investigations revealed that the ringleader, Abubakar Musa, is a dismissed Corporal of the Nigerian Army.
He allegedly exploited his military background, impersonating a serving soldier to evade detection while orchestrating armed robbery operations.
His military knowledge reportedly gave the syndicate an edge in planning and executing vehicle thefts.
The group’s modus operandi involved targeting vehicles, removing or altering registration details, and transporting them across state lines to conceal ownership.
This sophisticated method made it difficult for victims and law enforcement agencies to trace stolen property.
Recovered Vehicles
The police confirmed the recovery of ten vehicles of various makes and models, including:
- Toyota Hilux trucks
- Toyota Corolla cars
- Pontiac Vibe GT
- Honda vehicle
- Lexus car
- Toyota RAV4 SUV
Several of the vehicles were discovered without registration numbers, underscoring the syndicate’s deliberate strategy to erase identifying details.
Ongoing Investigations
Authorities disclosed that investigations are still underway to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.
The Police Force is also working to trace additional stolen vehicles and dismantle the wider network connected to the suspects.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, praised the operatives for their professionalism and swift action.
He reiterated the Force’s commitment to intensifying intelligence-led operations.
This, he said, will ensure the safety of lives and property and restore public confidence in law enforcement.
“This breakthrough demonstrates our resolve to confront criminal elements head-on.
The Nigeria Police Force will continue to deploy tactical strategies to dismantle syndicates that threaten peace and security,” the IGP stated.
