Reported by: Althiea .P | Edited by: Bornet .k
The Plateau State Police Command has announced the recovery of a stolen 2022 Toyota Hilux and the arrest of two suspected members of a vehicle theft syndicate following an intelligence-driven operation that stretched from Jos, Plateau State, to neighbouring Bauchi State.
The operation followed a report made on July 21, 2026, after the white Toyota Hilux, bearing registration number 18D-35-FG, was allegedly stolen from its owner’s residence in Jos. The incident prompted the Assistant Inspector-General of Police overseeing the Plateau State Command, Bassey Ewah, to direct Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and tactical teams to immediately commence efforts to track down the vehicle and apprehend those responsible.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Alfred Alabo, the investigation combined intelligence gathering with technology-based tracking, leading officers to Bauchi State, where the stolen vehicle was located and recovered.
Two suspects identified as Ibrahim Tijjani, 30, from Labour House in Jos North Local Government Area, and Mohammed Umar, 33, from Angwan Rogo, also in Jos North, were arrested in connection with the alleged theft.
Police investigations revealed that Tijjani allegedly gained access to the vehicle through a spare key reportedly taken without the owner’s knowledge. Investigators said the suspect waited while the owner searched for the missing key before allegedly misleading him into believing that a replacement key was being transported from Port Harcourt.
The police further alleged that the suspect later persuaded security personnel at a bakery where the vehicle was temporarily parked to allow it remain there, before returning with the stolen key, driving the vehicle away and handing it over to an accomplice.
The recovered Hilux was subsequently traced to Bauchi State, where both suspects were arrested during the operation. Police said efforts were continuing to establish the full network behind the alleged vehicle theft syndicate and determine whether other stolen vehicles were linked to the suspects.
AIG Bassey Ewah commended officers of the Ambush Squad “A” for what he described as a swift and professional response, reaffirming the command’s commitment to tackling organised crime and protecting residents across Plateau State.
He also urged members of the public to remain alert and provide security agencies with timely information that could assist in preventing criminal activities and bringing offenders to justice.
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