Official Vehicle Belonging to NSA Stolen During Juma’at Prayers in Abuja

ABUJA, Nigeria — A black Toyota Hilux belonging to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has been reported stolen during Friday’s Juma’at prayers in the Nigerian capital.

According to multiple security sources, the vehicle was parked around 1:05 p.m. opposite the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) complex in Area 10, while an ONSA official attended prayers at a nearby mosque. Upon returning from the mosque, the official found the vehicle missing.

Theft Reported, Police Launch Immediate Investigation

The incident was first reported by Zagazola Makama, a well-known counter-insurgency expert, via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle. Makama revealed that the theft was immediately reported to the Garki Police Division at approximately 2:00 p.m., prompting a swift law enforcement response.

In a statement issued shortly after the report, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command confirmed that it had launched a full-scale investigation and activated a stop-and-search operation across strategic points in the city.

“All entry and exit points within Abuja are being closely monitored. We are making every effort to apprehend those responsible and recover the stolen Hilux,” a police spokesperson stated.

Security Alert: Police Intensify Surveillance in Abuja

Following the theft, security has been heightened across Abuja’s central districts, with police units deploying rapid-response teams to intercept the suspects.

The FCT Police Command emphasized that checkpoints are now active, with officers instructed to inspect suspicious vehicles and monitor any unregistered movement across the capital. The stolen vehicle, identified as an official black Toyota Hilux, remains missing as of the latest updates.

Authorities are also reviewing CCTV footage in and around Area 10 and liaising with intelligence units to gather leads.

ONSA Vehicle Theft Raises Security Concerns

The fact that the theft involved a government-issued vehicle assigned to the Office of the National Security Adviser has raised concerns among security analysts and the public alike. The incident underscores lingering issues of urban insecurity and vehicle theft in Nigeria’s capital—even in daylight and high-security areas.

While it remains unclear whether the theft was targeted or opportunistic, officials are treating the case as a serious breach given the sensitivity of ONSA’s operational scope.

What You Should Know

The stolen vehicle is a black Toyota Hilux, reportedly unarmed and parked during Juma’at prayers.
It was taken from a location close to the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) complex.
The theft was reported at 2:00 p.m. and is currently under active investigation by the Garki Police Division.
The FCT Police Command has launched stop-and-search operations and is monitoring all entry and exit points in Abuja.
The public is urged to report any sightings of the vehicle or suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities.

Conclusion

The theft of an official vehicle linked to Nigeria’s top security office is not only shocking but also serves as a stark reminder of rising security vulnerabilities, even in highly guarded areas like Abuja. With the FCT police now actively pursuing the suspects, the coming days will reveal whether swift law enforcement action can prevent a deeper embarrassment to the country’s security architecture.