Police bust vehicle theft syndicate in Rivers, recover stolen cars

The Rivers State Police Command has uncovered and dismantled a suspected vehicle theft network operating in the state, leading to the arrest of several individuals and the recovery of stolen vehicles.

This development was disclosed in a statement released on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, who noted that the success followed intelligence-driven operations by the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit.

According to the police, the operation gained momentum on April 10, 2026, when officers apprehended a 46-year-old suspect, Paul Nwabueze Jude, in Ogbogoro Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

The suspect had earlier evaded arrest in connection with a vehicle theft case reported in 2025, during which a stolen Toyota Hilux was recovered after his accomplice was arrested.

Investigators said the suspect later admitted to his role in the crime and provided useful information that led to the arrest of other members of the group, as well as individuals suspected of receiving stolen vehicles.

“During investigation, the suspect confessed to his involvement in the earlier crime as well as several other vehicle theft operations,” the statement noted.

The police named other suspects as Dike Michael, Uzomba Darlington, and Enyinnaya Eugene, describing the group as a four-man syndicate engaged in the theft and resale of vehicles.

Recovered exhibits include two Toyota Hilux vehicles and three Sienna buses.

The Command also revealed that investigations have identified another key figure believed to be harbouring additional stolen vehicles, with efforts ongoing to track and arrest the individual.

The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, advised residents to take proactive steps to protect their vehicles and valuables, including the use of tracking systems and other anti-theft measures.

He further encouraged the public to promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies, stressing that “timely information is vital to effective crime prevention.”