Police nab two suspected car thieves in Plateau, recover stolen vehicle

The Plateau State Police Command has arrested two suspected car thieves and recovered a stolen Toyota Hilux. This happened during an operation that tracked the vehicle to Bauchi State.

The information came from a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo. This statement was shared with reporters in Jos on Wednesday.

The theft was reported on 21st July, 2026, at about 7:00 am. "On 21st July, 2026, at about 7:00 am we received a report stating that a white Toyota Hilux, Model 2022 with Registration Number 18D-35-FG, had been stolen from the owner’s residence by unknown persons," the statement said.

After receiving the report, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in Plateau State, AIG Bassey Ewah, ordered a search for the vehicle and the suspects. "Upon receipt of the report, the Assistant Inspector General of Police Plateau State Command, AIG Bassey Ewah, psc(++), FCAI, MSPSP, immediately directed all Area Commanders, DPOs and Tactical Team Commanders in the Command to commence an intelligence-driven operation to recover the vehicle and apprehend those responsible," the statement noted.

Using intelligence and technology, police operatives tracked the vehicle to Bauchi State where it was recovered. They also arrested two suspects.

"Through the prompt deployment of intelligence and technology, the operatives successfully tracked the stolen vehicle to Bauchi State, where it was recovered. During the operation, two suspects, one Ibrahim Tijjani, 30 years old, of Labour House, Jos North Local Government Area, and Mohammed Umar, 33 years old, of Angwan Rogo, Jos North Local Government Area, were arrested in connection with the crime," the statement added.

The investigation showed that the main suspect, Ibrahim Tijjani, allegedly stole the vehicle key to execute the theft. "In the course of the investigation, it was revealed that the principal suspect, Ibrahim Tijjani had secretly stolen the key to the victim’s vehicle without the owner’s knowledge. While the owner and other concerned persons were actively searching for the missing key, the suspect was perfecting his plan to steal the vehicle," the statement explained.

Police also said the suspect tricked both the owner and security personnel to access the vehicle. "Further investigation revealed that the suspect deceitfully persuaded the vehicle owner to park the vehicle at a bakery. He also misled the security personnel at the premises by falsely claiming that the vehicle would remain there temporarily pending the arrival of a replacement key from Port Harcourt. Acting on this false representation, the security personnel allowed the vehicle to remain at the location," the release detailed.

"The following day, the suspect returned with the stolen key, gained access to the vehicle, and drove it away before handing it over to his accomplice." The Command confirmed that both suspects were caught in Bauchi State based on good intelligence and the stolen vehicle was recovered.

AIG Ewah praised the operatives of the Ambush Squad “A” for their hard work and professionalism. He also stressed the Command’s commitment to fighting crime. "The Assistant Inspector General of Police commends operatives of the Ambush Squad ‘A’ for their professionalism, swift response, and commitment to duty. He therefore reiterates the Command’s resolve to rid Plateau State of criminal elements and urges residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest Police station," the statement concluded.