The Nigeria Police Force in Enugu State has detained four suspects and recovered three vehicles stolen in Enugu and Anambra states, including one linked to a 2022 kidnapping case.

The Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Enugu, noting that the arrests were made in separate intelligence-driven operations.

He said that on February 26, at about 5:30 a.m., operatives attached to the Central Police Station, in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Watch Group, apprehended 22-year-old Joseph Nsor at Chris Chemist Roundabout in Enugu.

“The suspect, who had arrived in Enugu the previous day without a fixed address, was apprehended while attempting to escape with a stolen Toyota Hiace bus, which he reportedly accessed and started using a master key,” Ndukwe said.

The vehicle was recovered, its owner identified, and the suspect arraigned in court on February 27 before being remanded at the Enugu Correctional Centre.

In another operation on January 31, operatives of the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad arrested Ugwuanyi Samuel, alias “Sammyblack,” said to be a member of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity. He was found in possession of a red Toyota Camry (Spider) bearing a National Association of Nigerian Students plate number.

Investigations revealed that the vehicle belonged to a female victim from Ogbunike, Anambra State, and was snatched in June 2022 after her son was abducted at gunpoint while driving it. The victim’s son was later released after a ransom of N500,000 was paid, while the vehicle was reportedly repainted.

Earlier, on January 24, operatives of the same Tactical Squad, acting on intelligence, stormed New Garriki, Awkunanaw, Enugu, arresting Chinonso John, 27, and Samuel Nwankwor, 41, an ex-convict. A red Toyota Matrix with registration number AAH 785 AE was recovered.

According to Ndukwe, the suspects confessed to snatching the vehicle at gunpoint in Awka, Anambra State, on January 23, and to involvement in other operations, including the theft of a Lexus RX 350 and a Toyota Highlander.

He added that investigations were ongoing to apprehend other accomplices and that the remaining suspects and exhibits would be transferred to the Anambra State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Giwa, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling crime and urged residents to provide credible information while adopting basic vehicle security measures.