By Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Police Command has recorded another operational breakthrough with the recovery of a stolen Toyota Hilux vehicle and the arrest of two suspects allegedly linked to the theft.
The Command disclosed that on July 21, 2026, at about 7:00am, it received a report of the theft of a white Toyota Hilux, 2022 model, with registration number 18D-35-FG, from the owner’s residence by unknown persons.
Following the report, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Plateau State Command, Bassey Ewah, immediately directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and Tactical Team Commanders to commence an intelligence-driven operation aimed at recovering the vehicle and apprehending those responsible.
A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Alfred Alabo, and issued to newsmen in Jos on Wednesday, revealed that through the use of intelligence and technology, police operatives successfully tracked the stolen vehicle to Bauchi State, where it was recovered.
The statement added that two suspects were arrested in connection with the crime. They were identified as Ibrahim Tijjani, 30, of Labour House, Jos North Local Government Area, and Mohammed Umar, 33, of Angwan Rogo, Jos North.
According to the Command, preliminary investigations revealed that Tijjani allegedly stole the vehicle key without the owner’s knowledge. While the owner and other persons were searching for the missing key, the suspect was said to have been perfecting plans to steal the vehicle.
The investigation further revealed that the suspect allegedly convinced the vehicle owner to park the Hilux at a bakery, claiming it would remain there temporarily while awaiting a replacement key from Port Harcourt.
He also reportedly misled security personnel at the location, who allowed the vehicle to remain there based on the information provided.
The suspect was later said to have returned with the stolen key, gained access to the vehicle, drove it away, and subsequently handed it over to his accomplice.
The Police Command said credible intelligence led to the tracking of the vehicle to Bauchi State, where both suspects were arrested and the vehicle recovered.
Meanwhile, AIG Ewah commended operatives of the Ambush Squad “A” for their professionalism, swift response, and dedication to duty.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to eliminating criminal activities in Plateau State and urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
