The Tactical Intelligence Squad (TIS) of the Ondo State Police Command has apprehended a four-man gang of car thieves led by one Afolabi Emmanuel.

The state commissioner of police, Wilfred Afolabi, said the suspects were tracked down after allegedly stealing a 2016 model Toyota Camry from the residence of one Victor Amokun in Oka-Akoko, Akoko North East LGA.

Parading the suspects on Thursday in Akure, Mr Afolabi disclosed that the gang sold the stolen vehicle with a market value of N12 million for N700,000.

Mr Afolabi said the suspects, who had been on the police watchlist, sold and disposed of the car through an accomplice, now at large, in Ogori-Magongo, Kogi State.

“The suspects confessed to scaling the fence of the victim (Victor Amokun) compound, breaking into the apartment, carting away valuables and eventually driving off with the vehicle,” he said.

The police chief explained that further investigation led to the recovery of two more vehicles, including a Toyota Sienna worth N6 million, which had been sold for N4 million.

According to the police chief, the gang was responsible for a string of vehicle thefts across the 18 local government areas of the state.

He said the leader of the gang (Mr Afolabi) is based in Lagos but frequently in Akungba Akoko, where his father resides. Mr Afolabi said the suspect identified targets during his visits to the town.

“Their arrest is a significant blow to the network of criminals operating across state lines,” the police commissioner stated.

While urging vehicle owners to take precautions by installing anti-theft devices such as pedal locks and trackers, Mr Afolabi said the police have intensified efforts to track down other fleeing members of the syndicate as the investigation continues.

“We remain committed to the protection of lives and property in Ondo State. Our goal is to ensure that citizens can sleep soundly at night without fear,” he said.