By Nkechi Eze
The Special Intelligence Squad of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has dismantled a notorious interstate car-snatching syndicate operating across the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Benue, Kogi and Plateau states, arresting six suspects and recovering several stolen vehicles and exhibits linked to the criminal network.
According to an official signed statement by the National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Afolabi Babawale, the operation followed directives from the Commandant General of the Corps, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, who ordered a nationwide crackdown on the syndicate following intelligence reports on rising interstate vehicle theft activities.
The statement disclosed that operatives of the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) launched a coordinated operation based on credible intelligence provided by informants, leading to the arrest of Hassan Bukar, Adam Musa also known as Yellow, Ibrahim Haruna alias Biggie, Adamu Mohammed, Sahal Abdullahi Aliyu and Abubakar Yusuf, while several other members of the syndicate remain at large.
Investigations revealed that the syndicate specialised in stealing vehicles and selling them to scrap dealers and spare parts merchants, who subsequently dismantled the vehicles and sold the parts in a bid to erase traces and evade detection by owners and security agencies. The proceeds from the illegal transactions were reportedly laundered through cash payments and Point of Sale transfers.
Speaking on the development, Commander of the CG’s SIS, Commandant A.S. Dandaura, disclosed that five shops located at the Zuba Scrap Market in the Federal Capital Territory had been sealed as exhibits in connection with the investigation. He added that a dismantled Toyota Camry earlier sold for ₦1.15 million was also recovered during the operation.
Commandant Dandaura stated that the NSCDC under the leadership of Professor Audi would sustain its intelligence-driven operations against criminal networks threatening public safety across the country, noting that investigations had been expanded to apprehend fleeing members of the syndicate.
The statement further revealed that one Abdulsalam Isa confessed to acting as a courier for Ismail Haruna, also known as “Malam na TK,” who is currently at large. Isa reportedly admitted to collecting stolen vehicles from various suppliers, including suspects operating in Gwagwalada and other locations within the FCT.
Investigators also uncovered financial transactions allegedly linking Isa and Ismail Haruna to payments and coordination involving stolen vehicles supplied by other suspects identified as Dangwari and Hassan.
According to the NSCDC, evidence obtained during the investigation established prima facie cases of criminal conspiracy, theft, belonging to a gang of brigands, dishonestly receiving stolen property and assisting in concealing stolen property against the suspects under Sections 96, 286, 305 and 318 of the Penal Code.
The Corps disclosed that Hassan Bukar confessed to facilitating the sale of more than 160 stolen vehicles since 2014 and admitted acting as a middleman between thieves and buyers. Adam Musa was accused of purchasing and reselling stolen vehicles, including Honda Civic, Toyota Rav4, Camry and Sienna models, while Adamu Mohammed allegedly facilitated undocumented vehicle sales through his workshop operations.
Sahal Aliyu Abdullahi was accused of purchasing and dismantling a stolen Toyota Camry and selling its parts for ₦1.18 million without verifying ownership documents, while Abubakar Yusuf allegedly participated in negotiations and payments relating to the stolen vehicle. Ibrahim Haruna, also known as Biggie, was accused of aiding the concealment and disposal of stolen vehicles at a shop linked to the fleeing Ismail Haruna, where over 200 vehicles were allegedly dismantled.
The NSCDC also declared one Mathew Atsenga Aondongu of Konshisha area of Benue State wanted for allegedly supplying stolen vehicles to Hassan Bukar from the Benue axis and surrounding areas.
Exhibits recovered during the operation included a Toyota Corolla LE 2003 model, Honda EOD 2004 model, Toyota Corolla CE, Toyota Corolla 1998 model, Honda Accord 2008 model, eight different vehicle particulars and sixty-one vehicle licence plates.
In a related development, NSCDC operatives attached to the BUA International Cement Factory in Okpella, Edo State, in collaboration with the CG’s SIS, arrested two company employees identified as Goodday Okhagbe and Monday Previous for allegedly stealing four 25-litre jerrycans of hydraulic fluid belonging to the factory.
The Corps also arrested two additional suspects, Mainasara Samuel Markus and Sanni Abba, during a routine patrol within the facility for alleged criminal conspiracy, vandalism and theft of installed cables at the Line 1 preheater machine. Mainasara reportedly confessed to vandalising and removing 18 metres of insulated cables, which he allegedly sold to Sanni Abba for ₦20,000.
The NSCDC reaffirmed its commitment to combating organised crime nationwide and urged members of the public to remain vigilant by reporting suspicious vehicle transactions and demanding valid ownership documents before purchasing vehicles. The Corps added that all suspects would be prosecuted accordingly to serve as a deterrent to criminal elements.
