The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a car snatching syndicate that has been operating both within and outside the state. The operation led to the arrest of five suspects, including an ex-convict and a foreigner. The police made the arrest following the earlier apprehension of a member of an armed robbery gang.
According to the State Police Command spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, the syndicate’s modus operandi involved stealing vehicles and transporting them outside the state for sale. After the investigation, the police discovered that the major buyer of the stolen cars was a Shehu Shagari, 33, from Kaduna South, Kaduna State.
Some of the other suspects, according to Iringe-Koko, included an Ibrahim Abubakar, 37, from Borno State, who had purchased a Prado Jeep from the major receiver at the rate of ₦5 million and sold it to a Cameroonian National, Alhaji Abdullahi. Other suspects arrested were Nuhu Ahmed, 30, and Abdullahi, 30, both from Yola South LGA of Adamawa State.
The police also recovered exhibits such as a cash sum of ₦2 million, which was sent for the purchase of a stolen Toyota Corolla, and an Acura Jeep with Reg. No. PBT 10 JP.
The spokesperson further disclosed that all the suspects would be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations. She urged residents to remain supportive, law-abiding, and vigilant, and report any criminal activity promptly to the nearest police station for quick action.
The Rivers State Police Command’s swift action and successful operation are commendable and provide a sense of security and safety for residents in the state. The arrest of the car-snatching syndicate reiterates the importance of the police’s commitment to tackle crime head-on and rid the state of criminal elements.
