NSCDC busts car-snatching syndicate, arrests 10 suspects, seals scrap shops

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested no fewer than 10 suspected car-snatching syndicate members, vandals and other criminal elements in a series of coordinated operations across several states.

The arrests were carried out by the Corps’ Special Intelligence Squad, a tactical unit established by Ahmed Audi, Commandant General of the NSCDC, to combat infrastructure vandalism, car theft, organised crime and related offences nationwide.

According to the NSCDC, the special squad was specifically mandated to dismantle a notorious interstate car-snatching network allegedly operating across the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Benue, Kogi and Plateau states.

Babawale Afolabi, Public Relations Officer of the Corps, disclosed that the operation followed credible intelligence reports on the activities of the syndicate and other criminal groups terrorising residents in the affected states.

Afolabi said the intelligence-driven operations led to the arrest of six principal suspects identified as Hassan Bukar; Adam Musa, popularly known as Yellow; Ibrahim Haruna, also known as Biggie; Adamu Mohammed; Sahal Abdullahi Aliyu; and Abubakar Yusuf.

The suspects were reportedly apprehended at different hideouts linked to vehicle theft and car-snatching activities, while security operatives are still trailing other fleeing members of the syndicate.

According to NSCDC, preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate specialised in dismantling stolen vehicles and selling the parts through dealers operating in scrap and spare parts markets.

“After stealing vehicles, the syndicates would sell the vehicle spare parts to dealers, who in turn dismantle the vehicles and remove parts for sale, thereby erasing traces of the vehicles from owners and security agencies,” the statement said.

He added that the criminal network often conducted transactions using cash payments or Point of Sale transfers in a bid to evade detection by law enforcement agencies.

Appolos Dandaura, Commander of the Special Intelligence Squad, disclosed that operatives sealed five shops at the Zuba Scrap Market in the FCT in connection with the investigation.

He said the sealed shops were marked as exhibits alongside a dismantled Toyota Camry allegedly sold for N1.15 million.

Dandaura revealed that investigations uncovered a massive illegal vehicle dismantling operation involving more than 200 stolen vehicles allegedly stripped and sold across different locations in the affected states.

Recovered exhibits include a Toyota Corolla LE 2003 model, Honda EOD 2004 model, Toyota Corolla CE, Toyota Corolla 1998 model, and a Honda Accord 2008 model.

The Corps also recovered particulars belonging to eight different vehicles as well as 61 vehicle licence plates suspected to be linked to stolen automobiles.

In a related development, the NSCDC said its operatives attached to the BUA Group International Cement Factory in Okpella, Edo State, arrested two suspects for allegedly stealing industrial materials belonging to the company.

The suspects, identified as Good-day Okhagbe and Monday Previous, were allegedly caught inside the factory workshop while attempting to steal four 25-litre jerrycans of hydraulic fluid.

Dandaura further disclosed that another patrol team arrested two additional suspects, Mainasara Samuel Markus and Sanni Abba, over alleged vandalism and theft of installed cables at the factory’s Line 1 pre-heater machine.

According to him, Mainasara allegedly confessed to vandalising and removing 16 metres and another two-metre insulated cable from the facility before selling them to Sanni Abba for ₦20,000.

The NSCDC reiterated its determination to intensify operations against organised criminal networks, vehicle theft syndicates and infrastructure vandals across the country.

The Corps also urged members of the public to remain vigilant by reporting suspicious vehicle transactions and ensuring proper ownership documents are verified before purchasing vehicles or spare parts.

NSCDC said all suspects arrested in connection with the operations would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.