22 Vehicles Recovered As Police Dismantle Interstate Car Snatching Syndicate

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command, in a major intelligence-led operation, have dismantled a sophisticated car theft syndicate operating across multiple states in Nigeria. The operation recovered 22 stolen vehicles and arrested 12 suspects.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday, said the case started in September 2024 after a report by Mr. Enoch Daniel, who was dispossessed of his Toyota Hiace bus at Trailer Park, Onne, Rivers State.

Iringe-Koko stated that following the report, the Command’s C4i Strike-force/Octopus team launched investigations, leading to the arrest of two suspects: John Amadi, 40, from Ogu/Bolo LGA, and Nna Goodluck, 45, from Khana LGA, all in Rivers State.

The Police spokesperson further stated that the two suspects, who are ex-convicts, confessed that they were hired by one Godspower Okpa to snatch the vehicle, using hammers and were paid ₦90,000 each.
She said further investigations extended to Oyigbo in Rivers State, Kano, and Akwa Ibom states, resulting in the arrest of key syndicate members.

The key suspects arrested include Yakubu Abdullah, 35, who was apprehended in Oyigbo during a pickup, Abdulkareem Saminu, 35, who was caught with two stolen vehicles, and Adamu Musa, a dismissed Police Officer from Akwa Ibom, who had 11 cars.

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It reads in part: “The case began in September 2024 after a report by Mr. Enoch Daniel, who was dispossessed of his Toyota Hiace bus at Trailer Park, Onne.

“Swift investigations by the Command’s C4i Strike-force/Octopus team led to the arrest of John Amadi, 40 years from Ogu/Bolo LGA, and Nna Goodluck, 45 years from Khana LGA. Both ex-convicts confessed they were hired by one Godspower Okpa to snatch the vehicle using hammers and were paid ₦90,000 each.

“Further investigations extended to Obigbo, Kano, and Akwa Ibom, resulting in the arrest of key suspects including Yakubu Abdullah ‘m’ 35 years, apprehended in Obigbo during a pickup, Abdulkareem Saminu ‘m’ 35 years, caught with two stolen vehicles and Adamu Musa, ‘m’ a dismissed Police Officer from Akwa Ibom, in possession of 11 vehicles.

“The syndicate is coordinated by Falco Ibrahim, 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, now in custody, and sold in Cameroon either whole or as parts.

“Other arrested members include Onyekachi Igwe, 53 years, ex-convict and Port Harcourt liaison, who confessed to earning over ₦5 million in eight months, Ikechukwu Joseph, 35 years and Michael Emerenwa, 40 years, both auto-electricians, who modified vehicles for export.

“Others 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 and 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 and await 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.”