The police have recovered a stolen 2022 Toyota Hilux and arrested two suspected members of a vehicle theft syndicate after an intelligence-led operation across Plateau and Bauchi states.
The Plateau State Police Command said the Hilux, with registration number 18D-35-FG, was stolen from its owner’s residence on July 21, 2026.
Following the report, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 4, AIG Bassey Ewah, directed area commanders, divisional police officers and tactical teams to launch an intelligence-led operation to recover the vehicle and arrest those responsible.
The operation led detectives to Bauchi State, where they recovered the stolen Hilux and arrested two suspects, Ibrahim Tijjani, 30, and Mohammed Umar, 33. Both are from Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Police said investigations showed that Tijjani allegedly stole the vehicle’s key without the owner’s knowledge while people were searching for the missing key.
According to the police, the suspect later persuaded the owner to park the vehicle at a bakery, claiming a replacement key would arrive from Port Harcourt. He also allegedly misled security personnel at the premises into allowing the vehicle to remain there.
Investigators said Tijjani returned the following day with the stolen key, drove the vehicle away and handed it over to his accomplice. Detectives later tracked both suspects to Bauchi State, where they were arrested and the vehicle was recovered.
The police commended operatives of Ambush Squad “A” for their swift response and professionalism.
(The Whistler)
