The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, announced the arrest of suspects linked to the theft of trucks during his maiden briefing at the command’s headquarters in Ikot Akpan-Abia, Uyo, on Monday.
Azare revealed that the arrests followed credible information from a good Samaritan, which led to the recovery of the stolen trucks in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The operation highlights the police's commitment to combating organized crime in the region.
He added that the operatives swung into action and further investigation revealed that the trucks were leased out to some multinational companies at the rate of N140,000 per truck per day for an initial period of three years.
Azare said, “Based on credible information from a Good Samaritan, four of the state fire service trucks were stolen and taken to Port Harcourt, River State, by some service officials.
“The Command moved to recover the said trucks and further investigation revealed that the fire trucks were leased out to some multinational companies at the rate of N140,000 per truck per day for an initial period of 3 years. The link company share was N80,000 while the fire service officials share stood at N60,000 per truck per day, the deal was done in 2021 and was expected to terminate by 2024.
“However, about two months before the deal's expiration, the command acted and recovered the vehicles. The four suspects arrested in the case will be charged in court soon, and the trucks will be released to the government to continue to serve the good people of the state while we continue to look for others at large.”