Authorities in Niger State have detained four individuals suspected of being notorious motorcycle thieves who were known for targeting motorcycle owners across different areas of the state.
During the operation, law enforcement officials were able to recover a vehicle and multiple motorcycles that were allegedly in the possession of the suspects.
According to SP Wasiu Abiodun, the Police Public Relations Officer in Minna, the arrests were made following actionable intelligence provided to the police.
Detailing the recovery of the vehicle, Abiodun recounted: “On August 12, 2024, at approximately 8:15 am, a report was received regarding the theft of a Toyota Corolla bearing license plate number RBC 94 BT. The vehicle was parked near Obasanjo Shopping Complex while its owner was shopping for items.
“Upon the owner’s return, it was discovered that the vehicle had been stolen by an unidentified individual. The matter was promptly reported to the Police Area Command Office in Minna, leading to swift action by intelligence operatives based on technical data.”
Abiodun further shared that the missing vehicle was eventually located at Mobil roundabout in Minna around 2:30 pm, abandoned in front of Jaiz Bank by the suspected car thief.
“Efforts are currently ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect as the case undergoes thorough investigation at the Area Command Office,” affirmed the police spokesperson.
Additionally, three individuals in Bida, Bida Local Government Area of Niger State, were taken into custody for allegedly stealing a motorcycle from a student lodge and transporting it to Minna for sale.
The suspects identified as Ahmed Nasir, 24, Abdullahi Ahmed, 21, both from Sabongida in Bida, and Abubakar Jibrin, 32, from Dwayagi village near Bida, reportedly confessed to the crime during police interrogation.
Abiodun revealed that a fourth individual, Hassan Aliyu, 25, hailing from Dutsen-Kura in Minna, was apprehended in Kuta while attempting to steal a motorcycle.
All cases are currently being investigated, and the suspects are expected to face prosecution in court.