A suspected car thief has been arrested in the Marine Base area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, following weeks of vehicle thefts that have troubled residents since the completion of a newly constructed access road in the area. The arrest took place on Tuesday night after a failed attempt to steal another vehicle, bringing relief to residents who had been living in fear due to the increasing number of car snatching incidents.
According to reports, the suspect, a panel beater originally from Osun State, was apprehended by security personnel after being caught in the act. His accomplice, identified as an auto electrician named Udo from Akwa Ibom State, managed to flee the scene before he could be captured. Efforts are ongoing to track down the second suspect, who is believed to be part of the same criminal network responsible for a recent wave of stolen vehicles across the Port Harcourt metropolis.
Witnesses said the suspect had been lurking around the neighborhood for several days, apparently surveying the area and identifying potential targets before making his move. His attempt to steal another car on Tuesday night was foiled when residents raised an alarm, alerting local security teams who swiftly intervened. The suspect was overpowered and taken into custody after a brief struggle.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to his involvement in multiple car thefts within the Marine Base and surrounding communities. He also provided crucial information about the operations of a wider syndicate that specializes in stealing and reselling cars across different states. According to his confession, the stolen vehicles were usually taken to secret workshops where their registration numbers and key identifiers were altered before being sold to unsuspecting buyers.
Authorities disclosed that the arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the ongoing crackdown on organized car theft in Port Harcourt. Police sources said the suspect’s detailed account has already helped investigators identify several potential buyers and collaborators involved in the trade of stolen vehicles. Investigations are now focused on tracking down these individuals and dismantling the wider criminal network that has been operating across state lines.
Residents of Marine Base expressed relief following the arrest, noting that car thefts in the area had increased significantly in recent months, particularly after the completion of the new access road, which made it easier for criminals to escape quickly after committing crimes. Many residents said they had been forced to install additional security measures, including trackers and reinforced locks, to protect their vehicles.
Police officials confirmed that the arrested suspect has been handed over to the Rivers State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution. The command assured the public that the fugitive accomplice, Udo, would soon be apprehended and brought to justice.
Authorities have also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or individuals around parking areas, workshops, and residential zones. They emphasized that the cooperation of the community remains crucial in combating car theft and other related crimes within Port Harcourt and its environs.
The successful arrest serves as a warning to other criminal elements who may be planning similar illegal activities in the city. Security officials reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining safety and ensuring that lawbreakers face the full weight of the law.
