The Nigeria Police Force said it has recorded a major operational breakthrough through the Force Intelligence Department – Special Tactical Squad, FID-STS.
It said that the FID-STS has arrested three notorious armed robbery suspects and recovered ten stolen vehicles in Kaduna State.
The suspects were named as Abubakar Musa, 36; Hassan Umar, 30; and Joshua Raphael, 20, who were apprehended on 16 March 2026 in Kaduna State.
The police, in a statement signed by DCP Anthony Okon Placid, Force Public Relations Officer, said that preliminary investigations revealed that the principal suspect, Abubakar Musa, is a dismissed corporal of the Nigerian Army who has been impersonating a serving soldier to evade detection while carrying out armed robbery operations with his accomplices.
It said that further findings indicate that the syndicate specialised in the theft and movement of stolen vehicles, often removing or altering registration details to conceal their identity and ownership.
The statement added that the operation led to the recovery of ten vehicles of various brands, including Toyota Hilux trucks, Toyota Corolla cars, a Pontiac Vibe GT, a Honda vehicle, a Lexus car, and a Toyota RAV4 SUV, with several of the vehicles found without registration numbers.
“Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover additional exhibits,” it added.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, according to the statement, commended the operatives for their professionalism and reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to combating criminal activities and ensuring the safety of lives and property.
