OPERATIVES of the Enugu State Police Command have arrested four male suspects in separate intelligence-led operations, recovering three stolen vehicles—one taken in Enugu and two snatched in Anambra State, including a car linked to a 2022 kidnapping incident.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the first arrest was made on 26 February 2026 at about 5:30 a.m. Officers attached to the Central Police Station (CPS), working in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Watch Group, apprehended 22-year-old Teso Joseph Nsor, a native of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, at Christ Chemist Roundabout, Enugu.
The suspect, who reportedly arrived in Enugu the previous day without a fixed address, was arrested while attempting to flee with a stolen Toyota Hiace bus. Police said he had gained access to the vehicle and started it using a master key.
The vehicle was recovered and its rightful owner identified. Nsor was arraigned in court on 27 February 2026 and remanded in a Correctional Centre.
In a separate operation carried out on 31 January 2026 at about 6:00 p.m., operatives of the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad arrested Ugwuanyi Samuel, also known as “Sammyblack”, aged 36, and identified as 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 (NANS) number plate.
Investigations revealed that the vehicle belonged to a woman from Ogbunike, Anambra State. It had been snatched in June 2022 after her son was abducted at gunpoint while driving.
The victim was later released after a ransom of ₦500,000 was paid, while the vehicle was taken away and subsequently repainted.
Earlier, on 24 January 2026 at about 9:00 a.m., the same Tactical Squad, acting on credible intelligence, stormed New Garriki in Awkunanaw, Enugu, where they arrested two suspects: 27-year-old Chinonso Onyibe John, also known as “Flexing”, and 41-year-old Nwankwor Uchenna Samuel, an ex-convict.
A red Toyota Matrix with registration number AAH 785 AE was recovered during the operation.
The suspects reportedly confessed to snatching the vehicle at gunpoint in Awka, Anambra State, on 23 January 2026.
They also admitted involvement in other operations, including the theft of a Lexus RX 350 and a Toyota Highlander.
Police disclosed that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
The remaining suspects and exhibits will be transferred to the Anambra State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to clamp down on criminal activities.
He urged residents to provide credible information to security agencies and to adopt basic vehicle security measures to deter theft.
