Suspect Arrested for Vehicle Theft in Niger State
A 32-year-old man was arrested by the Niger State Police Command for stealing a Toyota Rav4 in Minna. The vehicle’s owner reported it stolen while he made copies, leading to a swift police response and recovery of the vehicle. The suspect confessed to organizing vehicle thefts for a syndicate based in Abuja. Additionally, police seized five bags of suspected cannabis during raids and arrested twelve suspects.
In a recent operation, the Niger State Police Command arrested a 32-year-old man in connection to the theft of a Toyota Rav4 in Minna. The arrest followed the recovery of the stolen vehicle in the Maje area, as confirmed by the police’s Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun. The details were shared in a statement released on Tuesday, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
It was reported that the vehicle’s owner, from the Brighter area of Minna, parked the Toyota Rav4, bearing registration number CE 225 RBC, on Sunday around 10:30 a.m. While he stepped out momentarily to make photocopies, he returned to find his car missing. The case was promptly reported to Tudun-Wada Division, which initiated immediate action by alerting all police divisions in the area.
Police efforts paid off when, around noon, officers at a stop-and-search checkpoint in Maje intercepted the stolen vehicle and apprehended the suspect, who hails from Kofar-Dibi in Katsina State. Abiodun stated that during questioning, the suspect confessed to being part of a syndicate operating out of Abuja, which solicits individuals to steal vehicles and deliver them to various drop-off points.
Reports indicate that the suspect has previously stolen cars from several locations including Zaria and Kaduna, with destinations spread across the northern parts of Nigeria. This confession raises serious concerns regarding organized vehicle theft in the region.
In a separate but notable operation, police have also recovered five bags of suspected cannabis and arrested twelve additional suspects during a series of raids targeting known criminal hotspots in Minna. This initiative took place in the early hours of Sunday and Monday, led by officers from the Central Police Division, who were supplemented by local vigilantes.
The raids zeroed in on notorious areas such as Paida, Sabon-Gari, Gwari Market, and Abdulsalam Quarters. Notably, five bags of purported cannabis were found in a residence within Abdulsalam Quarters. An 18-year-old suspect has claimed the bags belonged to an accomplice who is currently on the run. Police operatives also detained three other suspects found in Barkin-Sale, Kasuwan-Gwari, and various market areas, underscoring their commitment to safeguarding the community.
The arrest of a 32-year-old suspect underscores ongoing concerns about vehicle theft in Niger State, with connections to a broader syndicate operating from Abuja. Moreover, the police’s successful operations against drug-related activities highlight their vigilance in combatting crime in local neighborhoods. Authorities remain determined to ensure that all suspects will be investigated and prosecuted appropriately.
Original Source: punchng.com
