Police in southeastern Nigeria have arrested four suspects and recovered three stolen vehicles in separate operations across Enugu and neighboring Anambra state, authorities said Saturday.
The Enugu State Police Command said one of the recovered vehicles was linked to a 2022 kidnapping case.
Police spokesperson SP Daniel Ndukwe said the arrests were made in intelligence-led operations involving multiple units.
On Feb. 26, officers attached to the Central Police Station, working with a local neighborhood watch group, arrested a 22-year-old suspect at Chris Chemist Roundabout in Enugu.
The suspect was apprehended while attempting to flee with a stolen Toyota Hiace bus, which he allegedly accessed using a master key, Ndukwe said. The vehicle was recovered, and its owner identified.
The suspect has been charged in court and remanded in a correctional facility in Enugu, police said.
In a separate operation on Jan. 31, police arrested another suspect identified as Ugwuanyi Samuel, also known as “Sammyblack,” who authorities said is linked to the Supreme Vikings Confraternity.
He was found in possession of a red Toyota Camry bearing a National Association of Nigerian Students plate number.
Investigators said the vehicle belonged to a woman in Ogbunike, Anambra state, and was stolen in June 2022 after her son was abducted at gunpoint while driving it. The victim was later released after a ransom of 500,000 naira was paid, while the vehicle was taken and repainted.
In another operation on Jan. 24, police arrested two suspects in the New Garriki area of Enugu and recovered a red Toyota Matrix.
The suspects allegedly confessed to stealing the vehicle at gunpoint in Awka, Anambra state, and to involvement in other vehicle thefts, including a Lexus RX 350 and a Toyota Highlander, police said.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing to locate additional suspects, and the case will be transferred to police in Anambra for further action.
The state’s police commissioner, Mamman Giwa, reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling crime and urged residents to share credible information and adopt basic vehicle security measures.
