Truth Behind Stolen ‘ONSA’ Hilux Uncovered

A Toyota Hilux van reportedly stolen during Juma’at prayers in Abuja does not belong to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), but was instead a decommissioned utility vehicle previously sold to a staff member through an internal auction, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The vehicle, described as an older model Hilux, had been part of ONSA’s administrative fleet before it was formally retired and auctioned off two years ago. An official at the ONSA complex, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the auction was part of a routine procedure for disposing of ageing government vehicles. “It’s an old vehicle that was handed over to a staff member during an auction two years ago,” the source said.

The incident occurred when the staff member parked the vehicle along a roadside in Abuja’s Central Area to attend Friday prayers. A military officer attached to ONSA recounted that the clerk had left the office early for a personal errand and joined the congregation upon noticing that prayers were about to begin. “It was shocking that the vehicle was no longer there upon his return,” the officer added.

The staff member subsequently reported the theft at the nearest police station, during which he identified himself as an ONSA employee and sought assistance in tracking the vehicle. Sources revealed that news of the incident leaked to the press through someone at the station.

Commenting on the media coverage, a military officer expressed concern over what he described as a sensationalised portrayal of a routine case of car theft. “The van in question is neither a sensitive asset nor operationally linked to the National Security Adviser. Car-jacking is, unfortunately, a common crime in cities across the world. This incident should not be blown out of proportion,” he said.

Security analysts have also downplayed the implications of the incident, noting that while it highlights the persistent issue of urban crime, it does not constitute a breach of national security.