Benue: Police bust vehicle theft gang, recover two motorcycles, car

Operatives of the Benue State Police Command have arrested five suspects allegedly linked to a vehicle theft syndicate operating in Benue and neighbouring states, recovering two Bajaj motorcycles and a Toyota Corolla.

This was confirmed in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, on August 18, 2026.

He said the operation followed a petition submitted to the Commissioner of Police by a resident of Gboko, who reported the alleged theft of his red Bajaj motorcycle valued at N1.34 million.

According to the Command, the motorcycle was allegedly obtained from the victim under false pretences after a suspect claimed he wanted to borrow it and promised to return it the following day.

Following the complaint, detectives attached to the Command Monitoring Unit launched an intelligence-led investigation, deploying advanced tracking techniques that eventually led to the arrest of the principal suspect.

Preliminary findings reportedly showed that the suspect was connected to the theft of other motorcycles and a Toyota Corolla, which were allegedly taken to Dan-Anacha in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Acting on the information gathered, detectives proceeded to Taraba State, where an accomplice and three other suspects were arrested.

The police said two red Bajaj motorcycles and a Toyota Corolla were recovered during the operation and retained as exhibits.

The Command said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate who were still at large, establish the full extent of their alleged activities and recover other stolen vehicles.

The Commissioner of Police urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities or suspected criminal conduct to the Police.

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that those involved in criminal activities were brought to justice.

The police said the investigation into the case was still ongoing and that further updates would be made available to the public.