The Rivers State Police Command has arrested two suspected car snatchers behind series of car theft in Port Harcourt, its environs, and neighbouring states following complaints of victims of their robbery operations.
The command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, SP, who made this known in a statement, noted that one of the recovered cars was traced to Abia State, where one of the suspects was also apprehended.
She said that the arrests is a key step in the command’s sustained onslaught against car theft and snatching in the state, adding that the recovered vehicles include a white Toyota Hilux and an ash-coloured Toyota Corolla.
The statement reads: “On November 20, 2025, at about 1800hrs, a team of operatives from the Command’s C4I Intelligence Unit arrested two suspects, Abubakar Abdulsalam, 43, and Shagari Shehu, 35, in connection with the theft of two vehicles.
“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.
“The recovered vehicles include a white Toyota Hilux with a fake registration number GWA 453 GR and an ash-coloured Toyota Corolla with a fake registration number LSD 420 BT. Both vehicles are in police custody for discreet investigation.”
She added: “The Hilux van was recovered in Rumuibekwe Estate, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state, while the Toyota Corolla was recovered in Abia State, where the second suspect was also arrested.
“The suspects are currently undergoing an in-depth investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the theft and their individual involvement.
“The operatives are working to establish the suspects’ potential links to other vehicle-related crimes in the state, as well as to track down other syndicate members.”
The State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, lauded the operatives for their efforts and equally thanked members of the public for cooperating in the fight against crime, assuring that .
the command would continue to maintain law and order.
“The police will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Rivers State remains a safe and secure place for all residents and visitors alike,” the statement added.
