In a remarkable display of swift operational efficiency, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command said it has recovered a black Toyota Land Cruiser (ABC 797), 30 minutes after it was snatched at gunpoint in Garki on Wednesday, April 23.
The command said the incident occurred around 8:35pm on Wednesday when armed men dressed in black intercepted a vehicle belonging to one Alhaji Nasiru Aminu.
In a statement sent to Persecondnews on Friday, SP Josephine Adeh, the command’s spokesperson, said the armed men fired sporadically into the air to scare off passersby before fleeing the scene in the stolen vehicle.
The statement reads: “Upon receiving the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer immediately alerted the Command’s Control Room, which promptly activated the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and placed all stop-and-search units on high alert. Police teams were strategically deployed to major entry and exit points across the city.
“Surveillance efforts, led by the Divisional Police Officer Maitama, CSP Altine Daniel, and supported by the Police Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU), commenced real-time tracking of the stolen vehicle. Acting swiftly on actionable intelligence, operatives closed in on the suspects.
“In a bid to evade arrest, the criminals abandoned the vehicle under Banex Bridge and escaped in a pre-arranged getaway car. The vehicle was recovered intact by 9:00 PM. within 30 minutes of the initial report.
” A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 9mm ammunition. The rightful owner has been contacted, and arrangements are underway for the formal release of the recovered vehicle.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects are members of a notorious syndicate known for a string of car-snatching and armed robbery incidents within the Wuse and Maitama axis. The group has long been on the Command’s watchlist, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members.
“FCT Police Commissioner Ajao S. Adewale commended the professionalism and rapid response of the officers involved in the operation. He further encouraged residents to install digital tracking devices in their vehicles to facilitate swift recovery and deter criminal activity.”
It added: “The Command remains committed to proactive policing, intelligence-led operations, and the protection of lives and property within the FCT.
Residents are enjoined to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity through the following emergency lines: 0803 200 3913, 0803 311 1911, or 0705 732 1547.”
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