The Benue State Police Command has smashed a suspected vehicle theft syndicate operating across Benue and neighbouring states, arresting five suspects and recovering two motorcycles and a Toyota Corolla. The breakthrough followed a petition received by the Commissioner of Police from a resident of Gboko, who reported the alleged theft of his red Bajaj motorcycle valued at ₦1.34 million.
According to the Command, the motorcycle was allegedly collected from the victim under false pretences by a suspect who claimed he needed to borrow it 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.
Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect was involved in the theft of other motorcycles and a Toyota Corolla, which were allegedly disposed of in Dan-Anacha, Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State. The investigation subsequently took detectives to Taraba State, where an accomplice and three other suspects were arrested.
The Police said two red Bajaj motorcycles and one Toyota Corolla were recovered as exhibits during the operation. The Command said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate, determine the full extent of their activities and recover other stolen vehicles.
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus C.N. Nwadiobu, urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities or suspected criminal conduct to the Police. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that perpetrators of crime are brought to justice. The Police said investigation into the case is ongoing, adding that further developments would be communicated to the public. The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, on August 18, 2026.
