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NSCDC Smashes Interstate Car Theft Network, Arrests Syndicate Members Linked to Over 160 Stolen Vehicles

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NSCDC Smashes Interstate Car Theft Network, Arrests Syndicate Members Linked to Over 160 Stolen Vehicles

By: Michael Mike

Operatives of the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’SIS) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have dismantled a sophisticated interstate car-snatching syndicate allegedly responsible for stealing and trafficking vehicles across several states, arresting multiple suspects and recovering stolen automobiles and dismantled vehicle parts.

The operation, described by security officials as one of the most significant breakthroughs against organised vehicle theft networks in recent months, followed intelligence reports linking the syndicate to coordinated car-snatching activities spanning the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa State, Kaduna State, Benue State, Kogi State and Plateau State.

The crackdown was ordered by the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, following what the Corps described as rising concerns over the activities of organised criminal groups targeting motorists and vehicle owners on interstate routes.

According to a statement issued by the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja on Friday, operatives of the CG’SIS acted on credible intelligence provided by informants and launched a coordinated operation that led to the arrest of key members of the syndicate.

According to the spokesman of NSCDC, Afolabi Babawale, those arrested include Hassan Bukar; Adam Musa, popularly known as Yellow; Ibrahim Haruna, alias Biggie; Adamu Mohammed; Sahal Abdullahi Aliyu; and Abubakar Yusuf, while several other members of the network are said to be on the run.

According to him, investigations by the Corps revealed that the syndicate allegedly specialised in stealing vehicles and supplying them to scrap dealers and vehicle spare parts merchants who dismantled the automobiles to destroy identifying traces and frustrate recovery efforts by owners and security agencies.

The NSCDC said the criminal network had developed a coordinated system for laundering proceeds from the illegal trade through cash payments and Point of Sale transactions in a bid to evade detection.

Commander of the CG’SIS, Commandant Apollo Dandaura, disclosed that five shops located within the Zuba Scrap Market in Abuja had been sealed as part of the ongoing investigation.

He further revealed that operatives recovered an already dismantled Toyota Camry allegedly sold for ₦1.15 million.

Dandaura said the operation exposed an extensive criminal supply chain involving vehicle thieves, middlemen, scrap dealers and buyers spread across several states.

According to him, the NSCDC remains determined to dismantle criminal syndicates threatening public safety and economic stability across the country.

“The Commandant General has directed that investigations be intensified to ensure every member of this network is tracked down and prosecuted,” he said.

One of the major breakthroughs in the investigation came from the interrogation of a suspect identified as Abdulsalam Isa, who allegedly confessed to serving as a courier and facilitator for a fleeing suspect, Ismail Haruna, also known as “Malam na TK.”

Investigators alleged that Isa admitted collecting stolen vehicles from suppliers operating in different parts of the country, including Gwagwalada and Ugwako.

The suspect reportedly disclosed that during the Ramadan period this year, he accompanied Ismail Haruna to Sauka over disputes relating to unpaid proceeds from stolen vehicle transactions involving another suspect identified as Dangwari.

According to the NSCDC, Isa further confessed that Haruna repeatedly instructed him to receive stolen vehicles at strategic locations including Sauka Bridge, Airport Bridge and Zuba Bridge.

Operatives eventually arrested Isa at Zuba Bridge while allegedly attempting to take delivery of another stolen vehicle.

The Corps also disclosed that financial records obtained during the investigation allegedly revealed consistent transactions between Isa and Ismail Haruna, strengthening claims that the suspects operated a coordinated payment structure for stolen vehicles.

Investigators said the evidence gathered so far established a prima facie case against the suspects for offences bordering on criminal conspiracy, theft, belonging to a gang of brigands, dishonestly receiving stolen property and concealment of stolen property under relevant provisions of the Penal Code.

The NSCDC alleged that Hassan Bukar, one of the principal suspects, was arrested in Keffi on April 3, 2026, with a stolen Toyota Corolla.

During interrogation, Bukar allegedly confessed to involvement in the theft and trafficking of more than 160 vehicles since 2014.

Investigators claimed he acted as a major link between vehicle thieves and buyers across the network and allegedly sold a stolen white Toyota Corolla LE to another syndicate member known as Dangwari for ₦900,000, with payments traced to his account.

Another suspect, Adam Musa, alias Yellow, was accused of participating in the purchase and resale of stolen vehicles for at least two years.

The NSCDC alleged that vehicles linked to his operations included a Honda Civic, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Camry and Toyota Sienna.

Musa was also accused of criminal breach of trust involving a vehicle allegedly entrusted to him for sale.

Similarly, investigators alleged that Adamu Mohammed operated as an intermediary and workshop owner who facilitated the disposal of stolen vehicles without documentation while retaining commissions from the transactions.

Another suspect, Sahal Aliyu Abdullahi, was accused of purchasing and dismantling stolen vehicles, including a Toyota Camry recovered during the operation.

Security analysts say the operation highlights the growing sophistication of organised vehicle theft syndicates operating across Nigeria and the increasing involvement of scrap markets and illegal spare parts dealers in the disposal of stolen automobiles.

The NSCDC said efforts were ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects and dismantle the wider criminal network behind the interstate car theft ring.

NSCDC Smashes Interstate Car Theft Network, Arrests Syndicate Members Linked to Over 160 Stolen Vehicles

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NDLEA Warns Nigerians Against Fake Vehicle Auction Scam Using Officials’ Names

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NDLEA Warns Nigerians Against Fake Vehicle Auction Scam Using Officials’ Names

By: Michael Mike

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has alerted Nigerians to a fraudulent scheme in which scammers are impersonating senior officials of the agency to deceive unsuspecting members of the public with fake offers of forfeited vehicles purportedly being sold at discounted auction prices.

In a disclaimer issued on Friday, the agency said the fraudsters have been circulating forged private letters and messages, particularly in the name of the NDLEA’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, claiming that seized vehicles are available for purchase through private arrangements.

The agency described the offers as entirely fraudulent, warning that they are designed solely to swindle victims out of their money.

According to the NDLEA, no official of the agency has the authority to privately allocate, sell or offer forfeited vehicles or any other seized assets to individuals under any circumstance.

It explained that assets forfeited as proceeds of drug-related offences are disposed of only through publicly advertised auctions conducted by government-appointed and registered auctioneers, in accordance with extant legal provisions and public procurement regulations.

The agency stressed that whenever such auctions are approved, they are widely publicised through national newspapers and the NDLEA’s official communication platforms to ensure transparency and equal access for interested members of the public.

The anti-narcotics agency therefore urged Nigerians to disregard any private letters, text messages, emails or social media posts claiming to offer forfeited vehicles for sale on behalf of Barrister Haruna or any other NDLEA official.

It also advised anyone approached with such offers to report the matter immediately to the nearest NDLEA command or through the agency’s official communication channels.

The statement, signed by NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to transparency, accountability and due process in the disposal of forfeited assets, while urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to the activities of fraudsters exploiting the agency’s name.

NDLEA Warns Nigerians Against Fake Vehicle Auction Scam Using Officials’ Names

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Troops Repel Multiple Terrorist Attacks, Rescue District Head, Recover Arms in Katsina, Zamfara

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Troops Repel Multiple Terrorist Attacks, Rescue District Head, Recover Arms in Katsina, Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have repelled multiple terrorist attacks, rescued an abducted district head and recovered arms and other combat equipment during coordinated operations across Katsina and Zamfara states.

The military disclosed that the operations, conducted on July 2, demonstrated the sustained offensive against terrorist groups operating in the North-West.

In Katsina State, troops of Sector 2 on a fighting patrol engaged terrorists between Amara and Chakau Junction in Danmusa Local Government Area after the fleeing criminals opened fire on the advancing troops.

The troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to flee and abandon their mission.

Items recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle, one magazine loaded with eight rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and two motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists.

In another operation on the outskirts of Sabon Garin and Dantakeri villages in Dutsinma Local Government Area, troops, in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilantes, responded to a terrorist attack and engaged the assailants in a firefight.

One terrorist was neutralised during the encounter, while the remaining attackers fled with varying degrees of gunshot wounds, according to military sources.

Also in Katsina, troops of Sector 2, working with other security agencies, responded to intelligence that terrorists had invaded Farin Hawa Village in Malumfashi Local Government Area and abducted the District Head, Mr. Mubarak Sharin.

The troops immediately pursued the fleeing terrorists, made contact with them and engaged them in a gun battle, killing one of the kidnappers and forcing the others to abandon the abducted traditional ruler.

The district head was rescued unhurt and reunited with his family.

Meanwhile, in Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2 successfully repelled a terrorist attack on their position at Dauran in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.

Military sources said reinforcement troops joined the battle, forcing the terrorists to retreat in disarray.

A subsequent exploitation of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 35 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a bandolier and a hydration pack (CamelBak).

The military commended the courage, professionalism and resilience displayed by the troops as well as the support of other security agencies and local vigilantes during the operations.

It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups while working closely with local communities to improve security and protect lives and property across the North-West.

Troops Repel Multiple Terrorist Attacks, Rescue District Head, Recover Arms in Katsina, Zamfara

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MAJOR SETBACK FOR IBUSA AS COURT REFUSES EXECUTION ORDER, STRENGTHENS OGWASHI-UKU’S POSITION IN LAND BATTLE

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MAJOR SETBACK FOR IBUSA AS COURT REFUSES EXECUTION ORDER, STRENGTHENS OGWASHI-UKU’S POSITION IN LAND BATTLE

The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, HRM Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, on behalf of the people of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, has recorded what community leaders have described as a significant legal victory in the long-running land dispute involving the Esemese Community of Ibusa.

In a ruling delivered on 15 June 2026 in Suit No. A/M/62/2015, the Delta State High Court, presided over by Hon. Justice Flora Ngozi Azinge, declined the principal application by the Esemese Community of Ibusa seeking an order for the execution of the judgment arising from the earlier litigation between the parties.

The applicants, through their counsel, Barrister P. U. Lotobi, had sought, among other reliefs, an order permitting the execution of the judgment and the substitution of several deceased parties to the proceedings. While the Court granted the applications relating to the substitution of deceased parties in the Esemese community, it declined the principal relief seeking an order of execution.

The Court also approved the substitution of the late HRM Obi Professor Chukwuka Okonjo with the present Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, HRM Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, who is represented in the proceedings by Chief Arthur Obi Okafor, SAN.

The ruling marks an important development in a dispute that has its origins in earlier litigation in Suit No. A/28/66.
According to the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, concerns had previously arisen over the interpretation of the litigation survey plan associated with the Supreme Court judgment. The Kingdom maintained that attempts had been made to rely on a survey plan that differed from the original litigation survey relied upon by the Court.

Following applications by the Ogwashi-Uku community before the Supreme Court, the Kingdom states that the Court restored the original litigation survey plan forming part of the earlier proceedings. In the present proceedings, the High Court further directed that a registered surveyor interpret the litigation survey plan.

Leaders of the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom have welcomed the ruling, describing it as an important safeguard against what they contend were attempts to extend the earlier judgment beyond the land actually litigated.

Speaking after the ruling, the Chief of Aboh Ogwashi-Uku, Chief Barrister Jude Obidi, described the decision as a landmark development and that the boundary between Ogwashi-Uku and Ibusa remains at the Oboshi River.
According to him, the ruling reinforces the principle that court judgments must be enforced strictly within the boundaries of the land actually determined by the courts and not beyond them.

He further noted that the broader boundary dispute between Ogwashi-Uku and Ibusa remains pending before the Delta State High Court in a separate action instituted by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku to determine the precise boundary between the two neighbouring communities.

Chief Obidi commended the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku for what he described as his steadfast commitment to protecting the territorial interests of the Kingdom through lawful means and the judicial process.

The latest ruling is expected to have significant implications for future attempts to enforce the earlier judgment pending the final determination of the boundary dispute between both communities. With this ruling, the claims by Ibusa for the areas around Admiralty University have been thrown into serious doubt.

The Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku through the Chief of Staff to the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Prince Onyema Okonjo when contacted welcomed the rejection of the request by the Ibusa community by the Delta State High Court in Ogwashi-Uku but also maintained that the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku reserves the right to seek appellate review of any portion of the ruling it wasn’t happy with. He also cautioned members of the Ibusa community from resorting to self help in using thugs and attempting to enter Ogwashi-Uku land any further to make illegal claims outside any court approved enforcement.

MAJOR SETBACK FOR IBUSA AS COURT REFUSES EXECUTION ORDER, STRENGTHENS OGWASHI-UKU’S POSITION IN LAND BATTLE

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