Posted by Samuel on Thu 07th Aug, 2025 - tori.ng
The spokesperson of the command, DSP Timfon John, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, August 7, 2025, said the operation led to the arrest of five members of the syndicate.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has dismantled a suspected notorious car theft syndicate and recovered a stolen vehicle.
The spokesperson of the command, DSP Timfon John, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, August 7, 2025, said the operation led to the arrest of five members of the syndicate.
According to the PPRO, the arrests were made based on information provided by a suspect, Otoabasi George Ime, who was previously arrested in possession of a stolen vehicle.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has successfully apprehended a notorious car theft syndicate, leading to the recovery of stolen vehicle and a cache of incriminating items,” the statement read.
"This significant breakthrough follows an intensive investigation initiated after the recovery of a stolen vehicle on July 27, 2025.
"Coming on the heels of discreet investigations, operatives on July 30, 2025, at approximately 4:30PM, arrested additional members of the syndicate, following leads provided by Otoabasi George Ime, 'm', 42 years old, of Use Abat Village in Ibiono Ibom LGA. George Ime was previously arrested in possession of a stolen vehicle, which sparked the wider investigation.
The arrested gang members include: Uwem Okon Umoh, 'm': identified as the syndicate's key fabricator, Umoh Joseph Essien, 'm': the group's mechanic, Ukpong Jeremiah Udo, 'm': the syndicate's electrician, Uchenna Peter Ihekandu, 'm': suspected buyer of stolen vehicles, Peter Madu Abuchi, 'm': responsible for money transfers within the syndicate.
Upon searching the suspects, operatives recovered the following items: nine different car numbers plates, four yards of army camouflage fabric and two face caps, a Road Safety reflective jacket and face cap, a file jacket containing various vehicle particulars.
"All suspects have confessed to being responsible for the theft of nine vehicles.
"The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi commends the diligence of the Officers in dismantling this criminal network.
Discreet investigations are still ongoing to recover more stolen vehicles and identify the operational weapons used by the syndicate.
“The Command assures the public of its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and their properties.”