The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has broken up a suspected interstate car theft syndicate operating across Abuja, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Benue, Kogi and Plateau states.
The development was made known in a statement issued by the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Afolabi Babawale, and made available on Friday.
According to the statement, the operation was carried out by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad following directives from the Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi.
The NSCDC said six suspects were arrested during the intelligence-led operation, while several others linked to the group are still being tracked by security operatives.
Those arrested were identified as Hassan Bukar, Adam Musa, also known as Yellow, Ibrahim Haruna popularly called Biggie, Adamu Mohammed, Sahal Abdullahi Aliyu and Abubakar Yusuf.
Investigators revealed that the gang allegedly specialised in stealing vehicles from different locations before dismantling them with the help of scrap dealers in order to hide evidence and avoid detection.
The preliminary findings also showed that the suspects were connected to a larger criminal network involved in moving, reselling and concealing stolen vehicles across several states.
The NSCDC said the suspects are facing allegations related to criminal conspiracy, vehicle theft, possession of stolen property and helping to conceal illegal activities under relevant sections of the Penal Code.
The corps reaffirmed its determination to continue fighting organised crime and protecting lives and property across the country.
It also stated that all suspects linked to the case would be prosecuted according to the law to discourage others from engaging in similar crimes.
The NSCDC further advised Nigerians to always verify vehicle documents properly before buying any car and to report suspicious transactions or activities to security agencies.