By Gabriel Ameh
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command says it has foiled an attempted vehicle theft in Maitama, Abuja, following the arrest of a suspected car thief.
The incident occurred on September 15, 2026, at about 2:00 p.m., after the Command received a distress call reporting an attempted vehicle theft along Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama.
According to the police, operatives from the Maitama Police Division responded to the report and arrested a man identified as Mohammed Aliyu inside a parked vehicle.
The Command said the suspect was allegedly attempting to start the vehicle and drive it away when officers arrived.
The vehicle owner, identified by the police as Mr. Ikechukwu, had reportedly parked his black Hyundai Santa while attending an appointment at a nearby office.
Upon returning, he allegedly found an unfamiliar person inside the vehicle and raised an alarm, attracting the attention of people in the area.
The police said preliminary investigations subsequently revealed that the suspect had previously been arrested in connection with two separate vehicle theft cases handled by the Garki and Zuba Police Divisions.
The Command further alleged that Aliyu had previously served a prison sentence and was released from Keffi Prison in April 2026.
The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue. The police said he will be charged to court after the investigation is concluded.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, commended the officers for their prompt response and members of the public whose vigilance contributed to the arrest.
The Commissioner urged residents across the Federal Capital Territory to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements and activities to the nearest police station.
He also encouraged residents to use the Command’s emergency lines, 08032003913 and 08028940883, to report crimes and other security concerns.
The FCT Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the territory and said it would continue efforts to tackle criminal activities and improve public safety.
