The Rivers State Police Command has smashed a syndicate that specializes in buying and selling stolen vehicles.
According to a statement by the spokesperson of the command, ASP Blessing Agabe, the feat is a direct result of intelligence-driven policing championed by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu
The police disclosed that on April 10, 2026, its officers acting on credible intelligence, arrested one Paul Nwabueze Jude, a resident of Ogbogoro Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
It said the suspect had been on the run following his involvement in a previously reported case of vehicle theft and the earlier arrest of his accomplice, one Uju Molokai on November 16, 2025.
The statement added that at the time, a stolen Toyota Hilux in his custody was successfully recovered, while the said Jude evaded arrest.
The statement however, said that during investigation, the suspect confessed to his involvement in the earlier crime as well as several other vehicle theft operations.
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He further disclosed that the syndicate operates as a four-man gang.
According to the police, following the suspect’s confession and subsequent intelligence, operatives of the command Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) arrested other members of the gang and receivers of the vehicles.
The statement gave the names of the other suspects as Dike Micheal, Uzomba Darlington and Emyinnaya Eugene.
Exhibits recovered from members of the syndicate include two Toyota Hilux and three Toyota Sienna vehicles.
The police said investigations further revealed the existence of a key receiver of the stolen vehicles, who is believed to be in possession of additional stolen cars, adding that efforts are ongoing to arrest the suspect and recover all other stolen vehicles in his possession.
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and adopt basic security measures to protect their vehicles and property, install tracking and anti-theft devices and avoid leaving valuables exposed, unattended to in their vehicles.
also, the commissioner of police encouraged citizens to promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station, as timely information is vital to effective crime prevention.
