Benue: Police bust vehicle theft gang, recover two motorcycles, car
Benue Police Arrest Five in Vehicle Theft Investigation
Operatives of the Benue State Police Command have apprehended five individuals suspected of being part of a vehicle theft ring active in Benue and neighboring states. The arrests, which occurred on August 18, 2026, resulted in the recovery of two Bajaj motorcycles and a Toyota Corolla.
The police confirmed the operation in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police for the Benue State Command.
The crackdown was initiated following a petition from a resident of Gboko, who reported the theft of his red Bajaj motorcycle, valued at 1.34 million Naira. According to police, the motorcycle was taken under false pretenses, with a suspect claiming he needed to borrow it and promising to return it the next day.
In response to the complaint, detectives from the Command Monitoring Unit commenced an intelligence-led investigation, employing advanced tracking techniques that led to the apprehension of the main suspect.
Preliminary investigations indicated that this individual was linked to additional thefts, including other motorcycles and the Toyota Corolla, which had reportedly been transported to Dan-Anacha in the Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Based on the intelligence gathered, police traveled to Taraba State, where they arrested an accomplice along with three other suspects.
During the operation, police recovered two red Bajaj motorcycles and a Toyota Corolla, which will be retained as evidence.
Authorities are continuing to pursue other members of the alleged syndicate who remain at large. They are also working to assess the full scope of the group’s activities and to recover additional stolen vehicles.
The Commissioner of Police has urged community members to stay vigilant and to report any suspicious activities or suspected criminal behavior to law enforcement. He assured residents of the Command’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property and to bringing those involved in criminal activities to justice.
The investigation remains active, and police plan to provide further updates as more information becomes available.
