POLICE operatives in the Federal Capital Territory have arrested a suspected car thief and recovered a stolen Toyota Hilux following a rapid response operation that tracked the vehicle to Kaduna State.
The incident unfolded on June 20th, 2026, at approximately 1:45 p.m., when the Divisional Police Officer of Maitama Division, CSP Altine Daniel, received a distress call reporting the theft of a white Toyota Hilux, 2014 model, with registration number BWR 712 CV, from the Wuse II area of the FCT.
According to police sources, the vehicle’s owner reported that it had been parked at around 1:30 p.m. and was discovered missing a mere four minutes later, with witnesses reporting an unknown individual driving it away.
The DPO immediately led a team to the scene and swiftly activated all police formations and deployments along entry and exit routes throughout the FCT. Officers were placed on high alert and instructed to conduct stop-and-search operations with a mandate to prevent any attempt to remove the stolen vehicle from the territory.
Leveraging digital tracking technology, investigators traced the vehicle and successfully recovered it at Kubacha, in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, at approximately 3:30 p.m. on the same day. One suspect was apprehended in connection with the theft.
The suspect and the recovered vehicle are currently in police custody, with investigations ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and identify any potential accomplices.
The Commissioner of Police for the FCT Command has urged residents to remain security-conscious and take proactive measures to protect their vehicles and valuables. He advised vehicle owners to install functional tracking devices, avoid leaving valuables unattended in vehicles, and promptly report suspicious persons and activities to the nearest police station.
Members of the public are encouraged to contact the FCT Police Command emergency numbers on 08032003913 or 07057337653 with any information.
