The Benue State police command has arrested five suspects who specialised in stealing motorcycles and motor vehicles across the state and neighbouring areas.

In a statement on Tuesday, Orchia Peter Aondongu, the command’s spokesman, said the arrest followed a petition by a resident of Gboko.

He said the Commissioner of Police received a complaint from a resident of Gboko, who reported that a suspect deceitfully collected his red Bajaj motorcycle, valued at ₦1,340,000, under false pretences, claiming he needed to borrow it and promising to return it the following day.

“Following the complaint, detectives attached to the Command Monitoring Unit commenced an intelligence-led investigation, including advanced tracking, which led to the arrest of the principal suspect,” he said. 

Mr Aondongu noted that preliminary investigation revealed the suspect was involved in the theft of other motorcycles and a Toyota Corolla, which were disposed of in Dan-Anacha, Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State.

“Further investigation led detectives to Taraba State, where the suspect’s accomplice and three other suspects were arrested,” he said. 

According to him, two red Bajaj motorcycles and one Toyota Corolla were recovered as exhibits.

“The command is intensifying efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate, establish the full extent of their criminal activities and possibly recover other stolen vehicles,” he said.

The command said it remained committed to protecting lives and property, and ensuring that perpetrators of crime are brought to justice.

“Investigation is ongoing as further developments will be communicated to the public,” he added.