by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Police Command has recorded another operational success with the recovery of a stolen Toyota Hilux vehicle and the arrest of two suspects connected with the theft.
The Command said, on 21st July, 2026, at about 7:00am they received a report that a white Toyota Hilux, Model 2022 with Registration Number 18D-35-FG, had been stolen from the owner’s residence by unknown persons.
While upon receipt of the report, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Plateau State Command, AIG Bassey Ewah, immediately directed all Area Commanders, DPOs and Tactical Team Commanders in the Command to commence an intelligence-driven operation to recover the vehicle and apprehend those responsible.
A statement, which was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP AIfred Alabo, and issued to newsman in Jos on Wednesday, disclosed that, “Through the prompt deployment of intelligence and technology, the operatives successfully tracked the stolen vehicle to Bauchi State, where it was recovered.”
According to the statement, during the operation, two suspects, one Ibrahim Tijjani, 30 years old, of Labour House, Jos North Local Government Area, and Mohammed Umar, 33 years old, of Angwan Rogo, Jos North Local Government Area, were arrested in connection with the crime.
“In the course of the investigation, it was revealed that the principal suspect, Ibrahim Tijjani, had secretly stolen the key to the victim’s vehicle without the owner’s knowledge. While the owner and other concerned persons were actively searching for the missing key, the suspect was perfecting his plan to steal the vehicle.
“Further investigation revealed that the suspect deceitfully persuaded the vehicle owner to park the vehicle at a bakery.
“He also misled the security personnel at the premises by falsely claiming that the vehicle would remain there temporarily, pending the arrival of a replacement key from Port-Harcourt. Acting on this false representation, the security personnel allowed the vehicle to remain at the location.
“The following day, the suspect returned with the stolen key, gained access to the vehicle, and drove it away before handing it over to his accomplice.
“Acting on credible intelligence, the Police tracked the vehicle to Bauchi State, where both suspects were apprehended and the vehicle was successfully recovered.
“Meanwhile, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police commends operatives of the Ambush Squad “A” for their professionalism, swift response, and commitment to duty. He therefore reiterates the Command’s resolve to rid Plateau State of criminal elements, and urges residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest Police Station.”