In a recent press briefing held at the Police Headquarters in Port Harcourt, Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu disclosed the successful dismantling of a notorious car theft syndicate operating in Rivers State.

The briefing, held on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, shed light on the extensive criminal activities of the syndicate and the significant strides made by law enforcement in curbing their operations.

According to the briefing, there was apprehension of 26 suspects involved in various aspects of car theft ring.

Those arrested are; Chidozie Anthony Onyekwe, Male, 34 years, Kelechi Uzo-Igwe, M, 30 years, Isaac Udofia, aka Atiku, M, 43 years, Godwin Udota, aka Tommy, M, 41 years, Ikechukwu Enyinnaya, M, 42 years, Chibueze Dominic, aka Chimez, M, 33 years, Justice Saturday, M, 25 years, and Sunday Okah, aka Seke, M, 31 years

Disu revealed that the syndicates were responsible for the theft of over 79 cars, with a considerable portion of their operation centered around dismantling stolen vehicles for spare parts.

The syndicates, which had been active since January 2023, employed a range of illegal tactics to acquire vehicles, including snatching cars at gunpoint, disabling digital trackers, and exploiting spare keys.

The operation spanned multiple states, with a particular focus on areas such as Akpajo, Eleme Junction, and Owerri. Additionally, the syndicate utilized ex-convicts and fake police officers to facilitate their criminal activities.

Among those arrested were individuals with extensive criminal histories, including previous convictions for offenses such as oil bunkering and involuntary manslaughter who all relocated from different states to operate in Rivers State.

Notably, Kelechi Uzo-Igwe, a mechanic and electrician by trade, played a crucial role in disabling digital trackers installed in stolen vehicles. The syndicate also had connections to scrap yards in Onitsha, where stolen cars were dismantled and sold for parts.

The Commissioner of Police credited the successful operation to the collaborative efforts between the law enforcement agencies and the public.

According to him, police officers responding to reports of stolen vehicles, launched investigations that led to the arrest of key suspects and the recovery of stolen cars.

Disu emphasized the importance of community engagement in combating organized crime and urged continued vigilance from citizens.

The dismantling of the car theft syndicate represents a significant victory for law enforcement in Rivers State.

Olatunji Disu reassured the public of the police’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region, urging citizens to report any suspicious activities promptly.

With the apprehension of key figures and the recovery of stolen vehicles, the operation serves as a stern warning to criminal elements seeking to exploit the state’s transportation infrastructure for illicit gain.