Suspect Jumps into River as Ondo Police Foil Vehicle Theft, Arrest Two

Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have apprehended a suspected car thief who attempted to escape arrest by jumping into a river, following a swift, intelligence-led operation that led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle.

The dramatic incident occurred along the Ogbese axis of Akure, where the 25-year-old suspect, ThankGod Unchena, allegedly dived into the river after sighting police operatives.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the operation was triggered by credible intelligence regarding a stolen vehicle traced from Lagos State.

“Upon sighting the operatives, the principal suspect, one ThankGod Unchena, male, aged 25 years, attempted to evade arrest by jumping into the Ogbese River in a desperate bid to escape. However, demonstrating professionalism, resilience, and tactical efficiency, the operatives pursued him into the river, successfully apprehended him, and brought him out safely,” the statement read.

Police authorities disclosed that the silver Hyundai vehicle had earlier been reported stolen in Lagos and was being transported towards Abuja before it was intercepted.

The Command noted that the success of the operation was largely due to the deployment of intelligence gathering and technology-driven policing strategies, which enabled officers to track the movement of the vehicle in real time.

“Through the strategic use of modern policing tools, surveillance mechanisms, and real-time information sharing, the movement of the vehicle was closely monitored and tracked along its suspected route,” the statement added.

Further findings revealed that the suspect had picked up another individual, identified as 53-year-old Adewole Muyedeen, during the journey. In what police described as a suspicious move, Unchena allegedly handed over control of the vehicle to Muyedeen upon noticing security presence.

Both men were subsequently arrested and are currently in police custody, while the recovered vehicle has been secured as exhibit.

Police said preliminary investigations suggest the possibility of a wider criminal network, adding that efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other accomplices.

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The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Adebowale Lawal, commended the operatives for their bravery and professionalism, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid crime prevention efforts.