Police Crack Down on Vehicle Theft Syndicate
The Rivers State Police Command has recorded significant success in its ongoing battle against car theft and vehicle snatching across the state. In a major breakthrough, police operatives have apprehended two suspected car thieves and recovered two stolen vehicles in a carefully coordinated operation.
Intelligence-Led Operation Leads to Arrests
According to an official statement released on Sunday by the Command's spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, operatives from the Command's C4I Intelligence Unit carried out the successful operation on November 20, 2025, at approximately 6:00 PM. The arrests followed what authorities described as "credible and reliable information" received by the police.
The suspects identified as Abubakar Abdulsalam, 43, and Shagari Shehu, 35 were taken into custody in connection with the theft of a white Toyota Hilux. Police investigations revealed that the recovered vehicles had been fitted with fake registration numbers in an attempt to conceal their stolen status.
Ongoing Investigations and Public Appeal
SP Iringe-Koko confirmed that the suspects are currently undergoing thorough interrogation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the vehicle theft and their individual roles in the criminal operation. "The suspects are currently undergoing in-depth investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the theft and their individual involvement," she stated.
The police are also working to establish potential connections between the arrested individuals and other vehicle-related crimes reported across Rivers State. Authorities believe the suspects might be part of a larger criminal network and are actively pursuing other members of the theft syndicate.
The Rivers State Police Commissioner, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has praised the efforts of the operatives involved in the successful operation. He reiterated the Command's unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order throughout the state while reassuring residents of continued police vigilance.
Both the Commissioner and the Police Public Relations Officer have appealed to members of the public to continue supporting police efforts by providing timely information about criminal activities. They emphasized that community cooperation remains crucial in the collective fight against crime.
Police Dismiss Herdsmen Invasion Rumors
In a related development, the Rivers State Police Command has addressed circulating social media reports about an alleged herdsmen invasion in the state. The Command categorically dismissed these claims as entirely false and misleading.
SP Iringe-Koko described a viral video claiming that Fulani herdsmen were attacked and repelled by Ijaw youths as a deliberate attempt by mischief makers to undermine the prevailing peace and stability in Rivers State. The police spokesperson confirmed that no such incidents involving Fulani herdsmen had occurred in any part of the state.
The recovered vehicles remain in police custody as discreet investigations continue, while the suspects await further legal proceedings.
