Rivers Police Bust Major Vehicle Theft Syndicate, Arrest Suspects and Recover Stolen Toyota Hilux and Sienna Bus

The Rivers State Police Command has dismantled a suspected vehicle theft syndicate operating across parts of the state, arresting several suspects and recovering multiple stolen vehicles in a coordinated intelligence-led operation.

The breakthrough was confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, who said the operation was carried out by the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit following sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering.

The operation intensified on April 10, 2026, when officers arrested a 46-year-old suspect, Paul Nwabueze Jude, in Ogbogoro Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. Police say he had been on the run over a 2025 vehicle theft case.

Authorities linked the suspect to an earlier incident involving a stolen Toyota Hilux, which had already been recovered after one of his alleged accomplices was previously apprehended.

During interrogation, investigators say Jude admitted to participating in multiple vehicle theft operations and provided information that led to the arrest of other members of the network, as well as suspected receivers of stolen vehicles.

“During investigation, the suspect confessed to his involvement in the earlier crime as well as several other vehicle theft operations,” the police statement noted.

The Command identified additional suspects as Dike Michael, Uzomba Darlington, and Enyinnaya Eugene, describing them as part of a four-man syndicate involved in stealing and reselling vehicles within and outside the state.

Police also confirmed the recovery of two Toyota Hilux vehicles and three Sienna buses believed to have been stolen by the group.

Investigators say the probe has now widened, with efforts underway to track down another suspected kingpin believed to be in possession of additional stolen vehicles.

Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, urged residents to take stronger security precautions, including installing tracking devices in vehicles and adopting other anti-theft measures to reduce vulnerability.

He also called for improved public cooperation, stressing that timely information from residents remains critical in preventing and solving crimes across the state.