The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two suspected car snatchers who were operating in the Bukuru Community in Jos South Local Government Area of the state on Monday
According to reports no fewer than seven cars belonging to residents had been reported stolen in different Jos communities in the past three weeks.
Briefing journalists at the command’s headquarters in Jos on Monday, the state Commissioner of Police, Bartholomew Onyeka, said the two suspects were arrested around 2:50 pm while one Lexus 300 jeep was also recovered from them.
The commissioner said, “On 20/01/2023 at about 1450hrs, while on routine patrol operation, operatives of Eagle Eye Patrol Team of the command led by ASP Taiwo Ganiyu Bamidele, received information that some suspected car thieves were operating along Bukuru axis.
“On receipt of the information, Eagle Eye operatives raced to the scene and arrested one Uche Matthew, aged 40 years old, and Michael Okoro, aged 45 years old, both males of Sabon Tasha, Kaduna State.
“In the course of the investigation, it was established that the suspects are members of a car snatching syndicate who specialize in ransacking vehicles of unsuspecting members of the public parking at unsecured public spaces.
“Exhibits recovered from the suspects include one Lexus 300 jeep. Efforts are on top gear to apprehend other members of the gang. Meanwhile, the investigation is still in progress.”
The commissioner who also paraded other suspects for various offenses including criminal conspiracy and unlawful possession of firearms warned criminals to steer clear of Plateau or be ready to contend with the force.
The commissioner added, “l want to assure you that the war on criminal activities in the state is continuing with renewed vigor and determination amid logistics challenges being experienced by the command.
“I will also continue to solicit the support of members of the public in providing us with useful and timely information to help us improve on our response time on tackling crimes and criminalities in the state.”
