Police Intercept Stolen Car in Asaba, Arrest 2 Suspect, Recover Firearms

Officers from the Delta State Police Command have recovered a Mercedes Benz GLK stolen at gunpoint in Enugu in 2023, which was about to be sold in Asaba, the state capital.

The car, with registration number NZM10AP, was intercepted at a parking lot on former deputy road in Asaba during a planned sale.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of B Division Asaba, CSP Edewor Akponegware, had on August 5, acting on intelligence indicating that the vehicle was being negotiated for sale.

He led a team of officers from the Division’s Crime Branch to the scene, resulting in the arrest of Chinedu Eze, who claimed ownership of the vehicle while attempting to sell it to an unwitting buyer.

Police Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe confirmed that preliminary investigations showed the vehicle was registered twice—once in April 2023 and again in 2025.

The discrepancy led police operatives to contact the original registrant, who revealed that the vehicle had been stolen at gunpoint in April 2023 in Abakpa, Enugu State, during an armed robbery where the owner was shot.

Additionally, on August 4, police arrested two suspects, Thywill Selvin (22) from Ogwashi-Ukwu and Guntim Bako (32) from Kwale Junction, after they attempted to flee police during a raid along Chelsea Street, Ogwashi-Uku.

The operation was initiated following a distress call reporting armed robbers in the area.

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Officers from the Anti-Crime Squad led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Okoyomon Israel,, along with vigilantes, responded swiftly, leading to the suspects’ arrest.

On sighting the operatives, the robbers had attempted to escape, but two were arrested.

Items recovered from the suspects include firearms—one pump-action rifle with a live cartridge, a Beretta pistol with six rounds, and three assault rifle rounds—as well as stolen property such as motorcycles, mobile phones, laptops, a PS4 console, home theatre set, music players, clothes, and other valuables. Several victims have since identified their stolen belongings.

The state commissioner of police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, in his remarks commended the officers for their coordinated efforts, which resulted in the recovery of the stolen vehicle, seizure of firearms, and apprehension of known robbers.

He reaffirmed the police’s commitment to protecting lives and property, emphasizing that community cooperation and prompt reporting of suspicious activities are vital to crime prevention.

The police command pledged to maintain aggressive, intelligence-driven operations to sustain security and safety across the state.

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He urged citizens to promptly report suspicious persons or activities, stressing that early reporting is key to preventing crime.