Criminals have stolen a black Toyota Hilux belonging to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, during Friday’s Juma’at prayers in Abuja.
The incident happened in broad daylight around 1:05 p.m. on Friday in Area 10, Garki, directly opposite the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) complex. The vehicle was reportedly parked while the ONSA official who drove it went to observe prayers at a nearby mosque.
According to security expert and counter-insurgency analyst, Zagazola Makama, who shared the news on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, the ONSA staff returned from the mosque and was shocked to find that the Hilux was gone.
“The official had parked the vehicle and went for Juma’at prayers. When he returned, the vehicle had vanished,” Makama posted.
Sources said the theft was reported to the Garki Police Division around 2:00 p.m. on the same day, prompting a quick response by the police.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has since launched a manhunt for the thieves and activated a stop-and-search operation across the capital.
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“We have deployed our officers to all entry and exit points in the FCT, and we have intensified our search for the missing vehicle,” a police spokesperson said.
The Command also assured the public that the suspects would be tracked and brought to justice. “We are doing everything possible to recover the stolen Hilux and arrest those responsible,” the spokesperson added.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about security in the capital city, especially given that the vehicle was stolen in a crowded area during Friday prayers.
Some residents have expressed shock at how easily criminals were able to steal a government vehicle linked to the National Security Adviser’s office without being caught immediately.
“This is serious. If a vehicle belonging to the Office of the NSA can be stolen in the city center in broad daylight, then what is safe?” a resident of Area 10 said.
Security analysts believe the thieves may have planned the operation in advance, taking advantage of the usual crowd and distractions that come with Friday prayers.
The stolen Toyota Hilux was reportedly marked with official government identification, which may make it easier to trace if spotted.
As of the time of filing this report, the vehicle had not been found, and police investigations were still ongoing.
The Office of the National Security Adviser has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident. However, sources said the matter is being treated with urgency and seriousness.
Meanwhile, police are urging the public to assist by reporting any information that could lead to the recovery of the vehicle and the arrest of the suspects.