The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has uncovered a car theft syndicate operating in parts of Abuja, following a swift response to a distress call on a stolen vehicle.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, in a statement on Saturday, said operatives of the Durumi Division acted promptly after receiving a report on April 11 about a stolen gold-coloured 2005 Toyota Corolla with registration number KUJ 208 DA. The car was reportedly taken from the owner’s residence.

Acting on the report, police tracked the vehicle to a workshop in Durumi, where it was being illegally repainted to avoid detection and enable a quick resale. Further investigation led to the recovery of another stolen vehicle — a red Toyota Corolla with registration number GWA 844 CK — earlier reported missing in Jikwoyi.

Three suspects, Steven Musa, David Dalyol (a painter), and Ibrahim Mohammed (a mechanic), were arrested at the workshop. They reportedly confessed to being part of a syndicate operating in Wuse, Central Area, Jikwoyi, and Bwari.

The suspects remain in custody and will be charged upon conclusion of investigations.

Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, urged residents to install tracking devices and report suspicious activities.