Benue police smash vehicle theft syndicate

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

The Benue State Police Command has arrested five suspects linked to a syndicate specialising in the theft of motorcycles and motor vehicles across Benue State and neighbouring states.

The command described the arrest as a major breakthrough in its efforts to dismantle organised property crime in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed this in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, on Wednesday.

He said the breakthrough followed a petition received from a resident of Gboko, who reported that his red Bajaj motorcycle, valued at N1.34 million, was deceitfully collected from him under false pretence by a suspect who claimed he needed to borrow the motorcycle and promised to return it the following day.

Following the complaint, detectives attached to the Command Monitoring Unit commenced an intelligence-led investigation, including advanced tracking, which led to the arrest of the principal suspect.

The commissioner said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was involved in the theft of other motorcycles and a Toyota Corolla, which were subsequently disposed of in Dan-Anacha, Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State.

He said, “Further investigation led detectives to Taraba State, where the suspect’s accomplice and three other suspects were arrested. Two red Bajaj motorcycles and one Toyota Corolla were recovered as exhibits.

“The Command is intensifying efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate, establish the full extent of their criminal activities and possibly recover other stolen vehicles.”

The Commissioner of Police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities and suspected criminal conduct to the police.

He assured residents that the command remained committed to protecting lives and property and ensuring that perpetrators of crime were brought to justice.