Operatives of the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’SIS) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have dismantled a major interstate car theft syndicate allegedly linked to the stealing and trafficking of more than 160 vehicles across several states, arresting multiple suspects and recovering stolen automobiles and dismantled vehicle parts.
The operation, described by security officials as one of the most significant breakthroughs against organised vehicle theft networks in recent months, followed intelligence reports linking the syndicate to coordinated car-snatching activities across the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Benue, Kogi and Plateau states.
The crackdown was reportedly ordered by the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, amid growing concerns over the activities of organised criminal groups targeting motorists and vehicle owners along interstate routes.
According to a statement issued by the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja on Friday, operatives of the CG’SIS acted on credible intelligence from informants and launched a coordinated operation that led to the arrest of key members of the syndicate.
NSCDC spokesman, Afolabi Babawale, identified the suspects as Hassan Bukar; Adam Musa, popularly known as Yellow; Ibrahim Haruna, alias Biggie; Adamu Mohammed; Sahal Abdullahi Aliyu; and Abubakar Yusuf, while several other members of the network were said to be at large.
According to the Corps, investigations revealed that the syndicate specialised in stealing vehicles and supplying them to scrap dealers and spare parts merchants who dismantled the automobiles in an attempt to erase identifying features and frustrate recovery efforts by vehicle owners and security agencies.
The NSCDC further disclosed that the network allegedly operated a coordinated payment and laundering structure involving cash transactions and Point of Sale transfers to conceal proceeds from the illegal trade.
Commander of the CG’SIS, Commandant Apollo Dandaura, disclosed that five shops located within the Zuba Scrap Market in Abuja had been sealed as part of the ongoing investigation.
He also revealed that operatives recovered a dismantled Toyota Camry allegedly sold for ₦1.15 million.
Dandaura said the investigation uncovered an extensive criminal supply chain involving vehicle thieves, intermediaries, scrap dealers and buyers operating across multiple states.
“The Commandant General has directed that investigations be intensified to ensure every member of this network is tracked down and prosecuted,” he said.
According to investigators, one of the major breakthroughs in the operation came from the interrogation of a suspect identified as Abdulsalam Isa, who allegedly confessed to acting as a courier and facilitator for a fleeing suspect, Ismail Haruna, also known as “Malam na TK.”
The NSCDC alleged that Isa admitted collecting stolen vehicles from suppliers operating in locations including Gwagwalada and Ugwako.
Investigators further claimed that during the Ramadan period this year, Isa accompanied Haruna to Sauka over disputes relating to unpaid proceeds from stolen vehicle transactions involving another suspect identified as Dangwari.
According to the Corps, Isa also confessed that Haruna repeatedly instructed him to receive stolen vehicles at strategic points including Sauka Bridge, Airport Bridge and Zuba Bridge.
Operatives later arrested Isa at Zuba Bridge while he was allegedly attempting to take delivery of another stolen vehicle.
The NSCDC disclosed that financial records obtained during the investigation allegedly revealed repeated transactions between Isa and Ismail Haruna, strengthening claims that the syndicate operated a coordinated payment structure for stolen vehicles.
Investigators said evidence gathered so far established a prima facie case against the suspects for offences bordering on criminal conspiracy, theft, belonging to a gang of brigands, dishonestly receiving stolen property and concealment of stolen property under relevant provisions of the Penal Code.
The Corps alleged that Hassan Bukar, identified as one of the principal suspects, was arrested in Keffi on April 3, 2026, with a stolen Toyota Corolla.
During interrogation, Bukar allegedly confessed to involvement in the theft and trafficking of more than 160 vehicles since 2014.
Investigators further alleged that he served as a major link between vehicle thieves and buyers across the criminal network and sold a stolen white Toyota Corolla LE to another syndicate member known as Dangwari for ₦900,000, with payments allegedly traced to his bank account.
Another suspect, Adam Musa, alias Yellow, was accused of participating in the purchase and resale of stolen vehicles for at least two years.
Vehicles allegedly linked to his operations included a Honda Civic, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Camry and Toyota Sienna.
Musa was also accused of criminal breach of trust involving a vehicle allegedly entrusted to him for sale.
Similarly, investigators alleged that Adamu Mohammed operated as an intermediary and workshop owner who facilitated the disposal of stolen vehicles without documentation while retaining commissions from the transactions.
Another suspect, Sahal Aliyu Abdullahi, was accused of purchasing and dismantling stolen vehicles, including a Toyota Camry recovered during the operation.
Security analysts say the operation highlights the growing sophistication of organised vehicle theft syndicates in Nigeria and the increasing involvement of scrap markets and illegal spare parts dealers in the disposal of stolen automobiles.
The NSCDC said efforts were ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects and dismantle the wider criminal network behind the interstate car theft ring.
