Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are expressing mounting concerns over a significant surge in car theft incidents across Abuja and surrounding areas, with sophisticated criminals targeting even vehicles parked in supposedly secure locations.
According to reports gathered, expensive vehicles are frequently being stolen from parking spots, with owners who briefly leave their cars unattended at shopping malls particularly vulnerable. However, the crime wave has expanded to include vehicles in residential areas and secured premises.
Police Crackdown on Car Theft Syndicates
The FCT Police Command has recently intensified efforts against these criminal operations. In a significant breakthrough, authorities dismantled a seven-man gang specializing in armed robbery and carjacking in Abuja. The operation, conducted on May 19, 2025, in the Maitama area, resulted in one suspect being neutralized and seven others arrested after a gun battle.
"On sighting the officers, the gang members opened fire. In the ensuing gun duel, one of the suspects, Abdulmininu Bello aka Babanle, was neutralised, while seven others, aged between 18 and 51, were arrested at the scene," FCT Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh stated.
In another operation, police arrested eight suspects, including a woman who confessed to purchasing Toyota master keys from an online shopping platform to aid her husband in stealing vehicles. The breakthrough came after the arrest of Yusuf Yunusa on April 19, 2025, in connection with a stolen Toyota Corolla from the Federal Secretariat.
FCT Commissioner of Police Ajao Adewale reported that 21 stolen vehicles have been recovered and 15 suspects arrested in various car theft cases. Six vehicles have been returned to their rightful owners, while 13 remain in police custody.
Victims Share Harrowing Experiences
Victims who spoke to reporters described the thieves as highly skilled auto experts. Kayode Lawal recounted how his Sienna was stolen within five minutes after parking along Keffi Road in Nasarawa State.
"I parked along the Keffi road to get a few things from a shop, but to my surprise, in less than 5 minutes, my Sienna car was stolen," Lawal said, adding that despite reporting to both the DSS and police, his vehicle remains missing.
Another victim, Sunday Eche, described discovering his Toyota Camry had been partially dismantled overnight despite being parked directly in front of his building. Meanwhile, Mustapha Audu expressed shock after security camera footage showed thieves removing his car's side mirrors with remarkable speed and precision at an Asokoro supermarket.
In a particularly concerning case, a 33-year-old Nigerian Army personnel, Lance Corporal Yusuf Yunnusa from the 82 Battalion in Rukuba, was arrested while attempting to sell a stolen vehicle in Kwali.
Economic Factors and Police Response
Some residents attribute the rise in car theft to economic hardship and high unemployment rates, particularly among youth. Sule Adamu, an FCT resident, blamed government policies for the crime surge, stating, "What do you expect; there is hunger in the land; that can be part of the problem."
FCT Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh assured residents that the command has implemented several measures to combat the crime wave, including increased patrols in vulnerable areas and deployment of plainclothes officers.
"We have recorded tremendous successes since the implementation of these measures," Adeh stated, urging residents to report suspicious activities to the command's emergency line: 08032003913.
As investigations continue, authorities advise vehicle owners to install additional security measures and remain vigilant when parking, even in seemingly secure locations.
