The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has recorded a breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on organised crime with the dismantling of an interstate car-snatching syndicate allegedly operating across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and several states in the country.
The operation led to the arrest of six suspected members of the syndicate by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’SIS).
The suspects were identified as Hassan Bukar, Adam Musa, also known as “Yellow,” Ibrahim Haruna, popularly called “Biggie,” Adamu Mohammed, Sahal Abdullahi Aliyu, and Abubakar Yusuf, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing accomplices.
According to preliminary investigations, the syndicate allegedly specialised in stealing vehicles and dismantling them through the collaboration of scrap dealers to conceal evidence and evade detection by security agencies.
The NSCDC disclosed that proceeds from the illicit operation were reportedly laundered through cash transactions and Point of Sale (POS) channels.
Commander of the CG’SIS, Commandant A.S. Dandaura, confirmed that five shops used for dismantling stolen vehicles at the Zuba Scrap Market in the FCT had been sealed off by operatives.
He added that exhibits recovered during the operation included a Toyota Camry, several vehicle documents, and multiple number plates believed to be connected to stolen vehicles.
Further investigations, according to the NSCDC, revealed that the suspects were linked to a broader criminal network involved in the coordinated supply, resale, and concealment of stolen vehicles across different states.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation at the BUA Cement Factory in Okpella, Edo State, NSCDC operatives arrested two factory employees identified as Goodday Okhagbe and Monday Previous over the alleged theft of industrial hydraulic fluid.
The corps said investigations into both cases are ongoing, assuring that all suspects found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
