Dare Babalola
Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have apprehended four individuals suspected of involvement in a vehicle theft syndicate and recovered five stolen vehicles during the operation.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Agabe Kaborlo Blessing, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday in Port Harcourt.
According to her, the operation was triggered by the earlier arrest of a suspect linked to a broader criminal network, leading to further intelligence-driven investigations and subsequent arrests.
She explained that one Paul Nwabueze Jude was arrested on April 10, 2026, by operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) after evading arrest in an earlier case of vehicle theft.
“The Rivers State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its sustained clampdown on organised vehicle theft syndicates, with the arrest of members involved in the buying and selling of stolen vehicles, as well as the recovery of multiple exhibits,” the statement read.
It continued, “On 10th April 2026, at about 17:50 hours, acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit arrested one Paul Nwabueze Jude, 46, of Ogbogoro Community in Obio/Akpor LGA. The suspect had previously fled after being implicated in an earlier theft case in which a stolen Toyota Hilux was recovered from his accomplice.”
She further noted that the arrest was connected to the earlier apprehension of one Uju Molokai in November 2025, who was found in possession of a stolen Toyota Hilux.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to participating in multiple vehicle theft operations and revealed that the gang operated as a four-member syndicate involved in stealing and disposing of vehicles across different locations.
“Acting on his confession and subsequent intelligence, operatives arrested other members of the gang as well as individuals who served as receivers of stolen vehicles,” she added.
The suspects identified include Paul Nwabueze Jude, 46, of Ogbogoro Community; Dike Michael, 46, from Imo State; Uzomba Darlington, 47, from Abia State; and Emynaya Eugene, also from Imo State.
Items recovered from the suspects include two Toyota Hilux vehicles and three Toyota Sienna vehicles.
The police also disclosed that investigations have uncovered a principal receiver believed to be in possession of additional stolen vehicles, adding that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the individual and recover further exhibits.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, has called on residents to remain security-conscious, take preventive measures to safeguard their vehicles, and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.
