In a major breakthrough, the Rivers State Police Command has dismantled a highly organized car theft syndicate operating across multiple Nigerian states.
The intelligence-driven operation resulted in the arrest of 12 male suspects and the recovery of 22 stolen vehicles, according to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-koko, on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
The investigation was launched in September 2024 following a report by Mr. Enoch Daniel, who was robbed of his Toyota Hiace bus at Trailer Park, Onne. Acting swiftly, the command’s C4i Strikeforce/Octopus Team apprehended two initial suspects, 40 years old Mr John Amadi from Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area and 45 years old Mr Nna Goodluck from Khana Local Government Area of the state.
Both men, who are said to be ex-convicts, confessed to being hired by one Godspower Okpa to steal the vehicle using hammers. They were each paid ₦90,000 for the job.
Further investigations expanded into Obibo, Kano, and Akwa Ibom states, leading to the arrest of more key members of the syndicate, Yakubu Abdullah (35), arrested in Obibo while attempting a vehicle pickup, Abdulkareem Saminu (35), caught in possession of two stolen vehicles and Adamu Musa, a dismissed police officer from Akwa Ibom, found with 11 stolen vehicles.
According to the police, “the syndicate is coordinated by Falco Ibrahim ‘m’ currently at large, whose network spans Rivers, Anambra, Taraba, Enugu, Borno, Kano, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States. Vehicles were smuggled via his agent, Shehu Shagari ‘m’ now in custody, and sold in Cameroon either whole or as parts.
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“Other arrested members include, Onyekachi Igwe ‘m’ 53 years, ex-convict and Port Harcourt liaison, who confessed to earning over ₦5 million in eight months, Ikechukwu Joseph ‘m’ 35 years and Michael Emerenwa ‘m’ 40 years, both auto-electricians who modified vehicles for export, Elijah Nwauwa Sunday ‘m’ 45 years, a self-styled pastor from Owerri, Imo State, who fronted as a spiritual leader while acting as the syndicate’s broker at Mgbuka-Obosi car scrap market, Onitsha, Samuel Ejigbo ‘m’ 39 years from Kogi State, an ex-convict and field operator in Port Harcourt, Umar Jabbo ‘m’ 25 years from Taraba State, caught attempting to purchase a stolen Toyota Camry.
“These arrests underscore our resolve to make Rivers State hostile to criminal syndicates. We call on residents to remain vigilant and support the Police with credible information.”
Irinke-Koko added that, “all suspects will be charged to count upon the conclusion of investigations, while efforts continue to arrest the ringleader and other fleeing accomplices.
“The Rivers State Police Command remains committed to the safety and security of all residents. These operations reflect a broader strategy to dismantle criminal networks and ensure public confidence in law enforcement.”
