Police authorities in Rivers State have recorded a major breakthrough in checkmating interstate robbery incidents.
In a major intelligence-led operation, the State Police Command successfully dismantled a sophisticated car theft syndicate operating across multiple states in Nigeria.
The operation led to the arrest of twelve male suspects and the recovery of twenty two (22) stolen vehicles.
A statement by the spokesperson of the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko on Thursday said the case began in September 2024 after a report by one Mr. Enoch Daniel, who was dispossessed of his Toyota Hiace bus at Trailer Park, Onne, in Eleme Local Government Area.
The statement said swift investigations by the Command’s C4i strikeforce/Octopus team led to the arrest of John Amadi,aged 40 years from Ogu/Bolo LGA, Rivers, Nna Goodluck 45 years from Khana LGA, Rivers
According to the statement, both suspects who are ex-convicts confessed they were hired by one Godspower Okpa to snatch the vehicle using hammers and were paid ₦90,000 each.
Further investigations according to the statem extended to Obibo, Kano, and Akwa Ibom, resulting in the arrest of key suspects includingYakubu Abdullah ‘m’ 35 years, apprehended in Obibo during a pickup, Abdulkareem Saminu ‘m’ 35 years, caught with two stolen vehicles,Adamu Musa, ‘m’ a dismissed Police Officer from Akwa Ibom, in possession of 11 vehicles.
“The syndicate is coordinated by Falco Ibrahim ‘m’ currently at large, whose network spans Rivers, Anambra, Taraba, Enugu, Borno, Kano, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States. Vehicles were smuggled via his agent, Shehu Shagari ‘m’ now in custody, and sold in Cameroon either whole or as parts”,.the statement added.
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Other arrested members of the syndicate include: Onyekachi Igwe ‘m’ 53 years, ex-convict and Port Harcourt liaison, who confessed to earning over ₦5 million in eight months,Ikechukwu Joseph ‘m’ 35 years and Michael Emerenwa ‘m’ 40 years, both auto-electricians who modified vehicles for export
The rest are, Elijah Nwauwa Sunday ‘m’ 45 years, a self-styled pastor from Owerri, Imo State, who fronted as a spiritual leader while acting as the syndicate’s broker at Mgbuka-Obosi car scrap market, Onitsha,
Samuel Ejigbo ‘m’ 39 years from Kogi State, an ex-convict and field operator in Port Harcourt, Umar Jabbo ‘m’ 25 years from Taraba State, caught attempting to purchase a stolen Toyota Camry
“These arrests underscore our resolve to make Rivers State hostile to criminal syndicates. We call on residents to remain vigilant and support the Police with credible information.
“All suspects will be charged to count upon the conclusion of investigations, while efforts continue to arrest the ringleader and other fleeing accomplices.
“The Rivers State Police Command remains committed to the safety and security of all residents. These operations reflect a broader strategy to dismantle criminal networks and ensure public confidence in law enforcement”, the statement maintained.