The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has dismantled a notorious car-snatching syndicate operating across the Federal Capital Territory and five other states, arresting six suspects and recovering five vehicles.
The operation was carried out by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’SIS) following credible intelligence, the Corps said on Thursday.
The suspects — Hassan Bukar, Adam Musa (alias Yellow), Ibrahim Haruna (alias Biggie), Adamu Mohammed, Sahal Abdullahi Aliyu, and Abubakar Yusuf — are accused of stealing vehicles, dismantling them through complicit scrap dealers, and selling the parts to conceal evidence.
According to CG’SIS Commander, Commandant A.S. Dandaura, the syndicate laundered proceeds through cash and POS transactions and operated across the FCT, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Benue, Kogi, and Plateau states.
Five shops at Zuba Scrap Market used for dismantling stolen vehicles have been sealed, with exhibits including a Toyota Camry, vehicle documents, and number plates recovered.
Investigations also linked the group to a wider criminal network involved in the coordinated supply, resale, and concealment of stolen vehicles.
Several suspects have confessed to long-term involvement, while others remain under investigation. Charges including criminal conspiracy, theft, receiving stolen property, and aiding concealment have been established under the Penal Code.
In a separate operation at BUA International Cement Factory in Okpella, Edo State, NSCDC operatives arrested two employees, Goodday Okhagbe and Monday Previous, for allegedly stealing industrial hydraulic fluid.
Two others, Mainasara Samuel Markus and Sanni Abba, were apprehended for vandalism and theft of armored cables belonging to the facility. Confessional statements have been obtained from all four.
The NSCDC said it remains committed to dismantling criminal networks, protecting critical national assets, and ensuring suspects are prosecuted as a deterrent to others.
The Corps advised the public to verify vehicle ownership documents before purchase and to report suspicious transactions to security agencies.
