Police recover stolen SUV from 2018 in Enugu, arrest three suspects

The Enugu State Police have found two vehicles stolen in different incidents in Imo State. This includes a Lexus RX 300 SUV that was taken during a robbery in 2018. They have also arrested three suspects connected to one of the thefts.

The police said they made these recoveries during separate operations in Enugu State.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, explained that the first operation took place on June 25. This was after a report about a commercial minibus with registration number AKL 969 AH that was stolen from its driver a day earlier in Okigwe, Imo State.

Ndukwe said the operatives of the Aninri Police Division used reliable information to track the vehicle to Onunweke, Ndeaboh, in Aninri Local Government Area. The suspects left the vehicle and ran away when they saw the police.

"The vehicle was recovered, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects," the statement mentioned.

In another operation on June 21, Ndukwe said a buyer contacted the Enugu Metro Area Command after buying a gold-coloured Lexus RX 300 SUV with registration number EZA 323 NF in Enugu.

"However, a check by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) showed that the vehicle was marked as stolen.

"The police quickly recovered the vehicle. Investigations showed that it was taken during a robbery in Owerri, Imo State, in 2018.

"Further investigations led to the arrest of three male suspects: Chukwudi Ubani (the seller), Uchenna Obaji, and Nnamene Chukwudi, all living in Enugu State," the statement added.

The PPRO quoted the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Giwa, praising the operatives for their successful work. He also encouraged the public to keep giving the police useful and timely information.

The commissioner also advised people who want to buy used vehicles to check ownership documents and verify the vehicles' status with the correct authorities before buying.

He urged vehicle owners to register their vehicles with the licensing authorities and the Nigeria Police Force's Electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR). This will help in quickly finding and recovering stolen vehicles.