Police arrest three suspected armed robbery, car-snatching syndicate members, recover vehicles

Crime Diary

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigeria Police Force has arrested three suspected key members of an armed robbery and car-snatching syndicate allegedly operating across Kaduna State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), recovering two vehicles during the operation.

The arrests were carried out by operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) during coordinated operations conducted between August 14 and 19, 2026, in Kaduna State and Abuja.

According to a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on August 30, the operations followed actionable intelligence on the activities of the suspected syndicate.

The suspects were identified as Ahmed Saidu, also known as Diamond “M”; Alex Gabriel, popularly known as Junior “M”; and Ahmed Mahudu, also known as Diamond “M”.

Police said the suspects were arrested in connection with a series of armed robbery incidents involving the alleged snatching of vehicles at gunpoint.

During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in the alleged criminal activities and implicated one Yakubu Yewa, also known as Y/Come, whom investigators identified as the suspected kingpin of the syndicate.

According to the police, Yewa is currently in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre, where he is standing trial in connection with an armed robbery case.

Further investigation reportedly revealed that the suspected kingpin coordinated and directed the syndicate’s alleged armed robbery operations, including the disposal of stolen vehicles within Nigeria and across international borders.

During the coordinated operations, police operatives recovered a red Toyota Corolla and an army-coloured Volkswagen Golf 3.

The Nigeria Police Force said investigations into the activities of the suspected criminal network were continuing.

The Force reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling criminal networks, protecting lives and property, and ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes are identified and brought to justice.