Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have recovered a black Toyota SUV that was stolen by armed robbers.
The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, revealed on Friday that the vehicle was stolen on Thursday in the Lugbe area of the Federal Capital Territory.
She stated that the Command was alerted on Thursday evening by a good Samaritan who reported a carjacking incident in the area.
According to the PPRO, one Kemi H. Adidiru was driving from Lugbe to the city centre when she was abruptly stopped and encircled by six armed men under a pedestrian bridge on Alieta Road in Lugbe.
The PPRO stated that the robbers forcibly removed the car owner and her driver from a 2012 black Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (registration number ABJ 670 EY) and drove off with the vehicle and the owner’s belongings.
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Alarmed by the robbery, the witness immediately alerted the Command Control Room, giving vital details regarding the car and the perpetrators’ escape route, the statement added.
“The Police acted quickly, alerting strategic checkpoints and deploying patrol teams across the FCT.
“At approximately 11:35 pm, Police operatives spotted the stolen vehicle at a checkpoint along Dantata Bridge, Galadimawa Road.
“When officers attempted to stop the suspects, they sped away, leading to a high-speed chase towards Airport Junction. Upon reaching another Police checkpoint at the Airport Junction, the suspects opened fire, engaging the Police in a fierce gun battle.
“Thanks to the superior firepower of the police, the suspects abandoned the vehicle and their firearm, fleeing into the surrounding bushes.
“The vehicle was successfully recovered, along with a bag containing an international passport belonging to Halimat Adediru, cash and other valuables.”
The PPRO stated that the recovered items have subsequently been restored to their original owner, who expressed heartfelt thanks for the Police’s swift response and professionalism.
