Rivers Police arrest two suspected car thieves linked to multiple vehicle thefts in Port Harcourt and neighbouring states.

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested two suspected car thieves allegedly involved in several vehicle thefts in Port Harcourt, its environs, and neighbouring states.

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The suspects, Abubakar Abdulsalam, 43, and Shagari Shehu, 35, were apprehended following intelligence-led operations by the command’s C4I Intelligence Unit.

Spokesperson for the command, Superintendent Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed in a statement on Sunday that the arrests followed reports from affected vehicle owners.

A white Toyota Hilux with a fake registration number GWA 453 GR was recovered in Rumuibekwe Estate, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, while an ash-coloured Toyota Corolla with a fake registration LSD 420 BT was recovered in Abia State, where one suspect was also taken into custody.

“The operatives swiftly acted on credible and reliable information, leading to the arrest of the suspects, who were found in possession of the stolen vehicles,” Iringe-Koko said.

She described the arrests as a significant step in the command’s sustained effort against car theft and snatching.

The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, commended the operatives for their diligence and thanked the public for their support in the fight against crime.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order and urged anyone with information on similar crimes to come forward.

Car theft and vehicle snatching have persisted across Rivers State, often involving organised syndicates that move stolen vehicles across state borders.

The command has repeatedly intensified surveillance, particularly targeting Toyota Hilux vans and Corolla sedans, which remain frequent targets of criminal networks.

The suspects are currently undergoing thorough investigation to determine their involvement in other vehicle-related offences and to identify additional syndicate members.

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Authorities emphasised the importance of community cooperation and advised vehicle owners to adopt enhanced security measures.