The Taraba State Police Command has dismantled a notorious inter-state car theft syndicate operating across several states.
Speaking at a press conference held Tuesday at the command’s headquarters in Jalingo, the state Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Bretet, revealed that four suspects believed to be part of the syndicate were arrested on May 14, 2025, at about 5:30 pm.
Bretel said the operation was carried out by officers of the State Intelligence Department, led by Inspector Idi Mohammed, following actionable intelligence.
The arrested suspects are Mohammed Yahaya a.k.a Pake, Mati Rabo, and Danlami Musa, all from Adamawa State, as well as Babayo Abdullahi, from Bauchi State.
They were apprehended in the Mile Six area of Jalingo.
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Recovered from the suspects were four stolen vehicles, including a dark blue 2013/2014 SE Toyota Camry (GGU539SV), an ash-colored 2003 Toyota Corolla (KJA258GF), a blue 2003 Toyota Corolla (YAB-693), and a blue 2011/2014 Toyota Corolla (RSH 39CP).
According to Bretet, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are part of a wider syndicate operating in Taraba, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Lagos, and Rivers States.
He commended the professionalism of the police team and the critical role of community members in providing timely intelligence.
Reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, the commissioner issued a stern warning to criminals, urging them to abandon unlawful activities or face the consequences.
Also, the police commissioner confirmed that efforts are currently underway to identify and return the recovered vehicles to their rightful owners.
