A shocking theft in the heart of Abuja has sparked a massive police operation after a black Toyota Hilux, an official vehicle assigned to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) under Nuhu Ribadu, was stolen during Friday Juma’at prayers.

The incident occurred on April 11, 2025, when the vehicle was parked opposite the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) complex in Area 10 at around 1:05 p.m.

The official had stepped away to attend prayers at a nearby mosque, only to return and find the vehicle missing.

This brazen act has raised serious questions about security in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), especially for a vehicle belonging to such a high-ranking office.

The theft was reported to the Garki Police Division by 2:00 p.m., prompting an immediate response from the FCT Police Command. Authorities have since launched a city-wide manhunt to track down the culprits and recover the stolen Toyota Hilux.

As part of their efforts, the police have set up stop-and-search operations at multiple checkpoints and have tightened security at all entry and exit points in Abuja.

A spokesperson for the FCT Police Command confirmed that an investigation is underway, assuring the public that no stone will be left unturned in the search for the perpetrators.

The swift response highlights the gravity of the situation, given the vehicle’s connection to the ONSA, a critical arm of Nigeria’s security apparatus.

This incident sheds light on the broader issue of vehicle theft in Nigeria, which has seen a troubling rise in recent years.

According to data from the Nigeria Police Force, over 3,000 vehicles were reported stolen across the country in 2024 alone, with urban centers like Abuja being prime targets.

A 2023 study by the Institute for Security Studies revealed that 60% of vehicle thefts in Nigeria occur due to inadequate parking security and a lack of proper surveillance systems.

The theft of Ribadu’s official vehicle in a busy area during a time of communal prayers underscores these vulnerabilities, exposing the challenges of securing public spaces in the capital city.

The boldness of the crime has also sparked reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing disbelief that the vehicle of such a senior security official could be stolen so easily.

The incident not only highlights gaps in local security measures but also raises concerns about the safety of public officials and their assets in Nigeria’s capital.

As the FCT Police intensify their search, the public awaits answers on how such a high-profile theft could occur and what steps will be taken to prevent future incidents.