Police recover stolen SUV and return it to owner in Rivers State
The Gombe State Police Command has returned a Toyota Highlander SUV to its rightful owner, Mrs. Cecilia A. Duru, after it was stolen nearly five years ago in Rivers State. The vehicle was intercepted during a routine verification exercise and traced back to Mrs. Duru following investigations. The handover ceremony took place after the car was recovered through a joint operation with the Federal Road Safety Corps. Several agencies collaborated to ensure the safe return of the vehicle.
What happened
- The Toyota Highlander was stolen from Mrs. Cecilia A. Duru in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on September 17, 2021.
- The vehicle was recovered on June 8, 2026, during a routine verification at the Gombe State Internal Revenue Service Vehicle Licensing Office.
- After being stolen, the SUV was taken to the Republic of Niger in 2023, re-entered Nigeria through Illela, Sokoto State, in October 2025, and was later sold in Kaduna State.
- The car was intercepted in Gombe while being processed for re-registration and was handed over to Mrs. Duru on July 24, 2026.
- Police investigations into the theft and movement of the vehicle are ongoing, and the public is urged to verify vehicle documents before purchase.
