The Enugu State Police Command has recovered two vehicles stolen in separate incidents in Imo State, including a Lexus RX 300 SUV snatched during an armed robbery in 2018 and a commercial minibus recently stolen in Okigwe, while also arresting three suspects linked to one of the cases.
The Command disclosed that the recoveries were made in separate intelligence-led operations as part of its sustained efforts to combat vehicle theft and other crimes.
In the first operation, police operatives attached to the Aninri Police Division recovered a commercial minibus with registration number AKL 969 AH, which had been hijacked from its driver in Okigwe, Imo State.
According to the police, the vehicle was reported stolen on June 25, 2026, a day after the incident occurred. Acting on credible intelligence, the operatives traced the minibus to Onunweke community in Ndeaboh, Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The suspects reportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting the police. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
In a separate operation conducted on June 21, 2026, the Enugu Metro Area Command recovered a gold-coloured Lexus RX 300 SUV with registration number EZA 323 NF after a buyer reported suspicions about the vehicle.
The complainant had informed the police that he purchased the SUV in Enugu. However, a verification conducted with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) revealed that the vehicle had been flagged as stolen.
Further investigations established that the Lexus had been stolen during an armed robbery in Owerri, Imo State, in 2018.
The investigation led to the arrest of three suspects identified as Chukwudi Ubani, alleged to have sold the vehicle, Uchenna Obaji, and Nnamene Chukwudi, all residents of Enugu State.
Police said the recovered vehicles and the arrested suspects would be transferred to the Imo State Police Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Commending the officers involved in the operations, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, urged residents to continue supporting the police by providing credible and timely information.
He also advised intending buyers of fairly used vehicles to verify ownership documents and confirm the status of vehicles with relevant authorities before completing any purchase to avoid acquiring stolen property.
The police commissioner further encouraged vehicle owners to register their vehicles with the appropriate licensing authorities and the Nigeria Police Force’s Electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR), noting that proper registration enhances the prompt detection and recovery of stolen vehicles, as demonstrated by the recovery of the Lexus RX 300 SUV.
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