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

EU Reaffirms Support for Nigeria’s 2027 Elections

By: Michael Mike

The European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that its role would remain focused on technical assistance, institutional strengthening and capacity building rather than interference in the country’s internal affairs.

Speaking during activities marking the 2026 Europe Day in Abuja, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot
said the union would continue to support democratic governance initiatives involving key electoral stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organisations, political parties, the National Assembly and the media.

The envoy said the EU had consistently supported democracy and electoral reforms in Nigeria through its Support to Democratic Governance programme, aimed at improving the credibility and transparency of elections.

According to the ambassador, preparations for the 2027 polls would build on recommendations made by previous EU Election Observation Missions and expert reports submitted after earlier elections.

“We will continue doing what we have been doing consistently, which is trying to reinforce capacities, trying to help reforms and improve the system little by little over the years,” the envoy stated.

Responding to concerns raised by journalists over electoral violence, low voter turnout and the non-implementation of recommendations from previous election observers, the ambassador insisted that the responsibility for conducting credible elections ultimately rests with Nigerian authorities.

“I think your question has to be directed to Nigerian authorities in charge of organising elections. It is a sovereign responsibility of Nigerian authorities,” the envoy said.

The ambassador stressed that the EU was not in Nigeria to impose sanctions, issue “yellow cards or red cards,” or dictate the country’s political direction, but rather to support ongoing reforms where requested.

The envoy also disclosed that the EU’s intervention would not primarily involve direct funding of elections but would focus more on technical assistance, institutional support and training for electoral stakeholders.

On media participation, the ambassador noted that journalists remained an important component of the EU’s democratic governance support framework and would continue to benefit from engagement programmes under the initiative.

The envoy, however, said it was still too early to outline specific activities or financial commitments for the 2027 elections.

Concerns over Nigeria’s democratic future and fears of a possible drift toward a one-party state were also raised during the interaction, but the ambassador maintained that assessing Nigeria’s political direction remained the responsibility of Nigerians themselves.

The EU representative added that a follow-up mission on recommendations from the 2023 elections had already been conducted, while attention was now focused on further implementation of electoral reforms and strengthening public confidence in the electoral system.

EU Reaffirms Support for Nigeria’s 2027 Elections

Flood: NGO cautions Gombe residents against indiscriminate dumping of waste

Jewel Environmental Initiative (JEI), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), in Gombr, on Friday tasked residents in the state on proper disposal of waste to mitigate the impact of flooding this 2026.

The Chief Executive Officer of the NGO, Mr Ismail Bima, made the call in an interview with our Correspondent in Gombe on Friday.

According to Bima, the huge losses associated with flooding and its negative impact on the environment and livelihoods has made it imperative for collective efforts to tackle flooding in Gombe.

He urged residents to take responsibility in ensuring a clean environment for their wellbeing.

“We have been sensitising residents for weeks now because of the impact of flooding on our people, communities and livelihoods.

“We must not wait for the rain before doing the right thing.

“Avoid dumping wastes in drains and water channels; this is key to addressing flood related disasters as the rainy season commences,” he said.

Bima disclosed that his team had intensified sensitisation exercise in Kwami, Nafada, Funakaye and Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Areas of the state because they were proned to flooding..

He said that the flooding in Funakaye had been attributed largely to buildings erected in waterways, stressing that,”residents should vacate the area.

“I urge the state government to relocate people from such areas to help save lives and properties.

He commended th State government’s efforts in reclaiming degraded land and building huge concrete gullies in several communities to help manage severe erosion.

He said that the concrete gullies have helped in protecting critical infrastructure and livelihoods of thousands of residents in the state.

Bima urged the government and residents to take advantage of the rainy season to plant more trees to replace those that have been fellen for firewood and charcoal purposes.

Flood: NGO cautions Gombe residents against indiscriminate dumping of waste