The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough after dismantling an alleged network linked to the theft of public infrastructure and the illegal use of official vehicle number plates.
The operation, carried out through intelligence-led policing, led to the arrest of five suspects and the recovery of public assets worth millions of naira.
Moreover, police uncovered an alleged network producing and supplying fake official and diplomatic number plates used to avoid security checks.
The crackdown has also exposed how stolen public facilities and fake government plates were allegedly used to support criminal activities across the nation’s capital.
Speaking during a press briefing on July 31, 2026, Commissioner of Police Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi said the recoveries were made during coordinated operations across Maitama, Garki, Durumi, Jabi, Apo Legislative, Lugbe and Nyanya.
Recovered items included drainage covers, solar-powered street lights, armoured electricity cables and internet communication cables. Furthermore, the police said the stolen facilities had affected public safety and daily life in many communities.
According to CP Sanusi, “The removal of these critical assets by a few unscrupulous individuals for personal gain directly contributes to road traffic accidents, pedestrian injuries, increased street crime in blacked-out areas, and severe power outages.”
The five suspects arrested were identified as Godwin Aja, Mustapha Nasiru, Ibrahim Garba, Abdulrasheed Sale and Dabarani Mujitafa. Meanwhile, police said investigations are still ongoing to uncover other members of the criminal network.
CP Sanusi also warned buyers and dealers involved in stolen government property that they would not escape justice.
He declared, “We are coming after you. We have commenced extensive investigations and will not relent until every link in the supply, distribution, and disposal chain of these stolen public assets is identified and brought to justice.”
In addition, police revealed that several unauthorized official and diplomatic number plates had been recovered during the operation. Investigators believe the plates were being used by criminals to avoid detection while carrying out illegal activities.
CP Sanusi explained, “Our investigations revealed that unauthorized individuals use these official and diplomatic plates as a cover to perpetrate crimes within the FCT while evading police detection and arrest. Vehicles seized during the operations have been impounded while suspects currently in custody will face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.”
The recovered public facilities will be handed over to the Federal Capital Territory Administration for immediate reinstallation.
The police boss reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to reducing crime across Abuja through intelligence-driven operations. He also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful information that can help fight crime.
