Operatives of the Naval Base Abuja have arrested a suspected member of a vehicle-snatching syndicate allegedly responsible for a string of car thefts across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The suspect, Habeeb Ajadi, 39, was apprehended at Jere while reportedly travelling to Kaduna State. Ajadi, a graduate of Physics from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, is alleged to have posed as an Inspector of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), using service number 63639 as a cover.

According to security officials, the suspect confessed during interrogation to stealing more than 50 vehicles from different parts of the FCT. He also allegedly named two accomplices based in Zaria, Kaduna State, who are believed to be part of the syndicate.

Ajadi reportedly told investigators that the stolen vehicles were sold for between ₦1 million and ₦1.2 million each.

Confirming the arrest, the Commander of Naval Base Abuja, Commodore Oluseyi Oladipo, said the suspect and exhibits recovered during the operation had been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.

Oladipo added that security agencies were intensifying efforts to track down and arrest the fleeing accomplices.