By Solomon Okpo
Ikot Ekpene, A suspected car thief posing as a naval officer abandoned a stolen vehicle and fled into the bush after a police patrol team intercepted him along the Ikot Ekpene-Umuahia Road on Monday.
The ash-coloured Toyota Matrix, bearing registration number KRJ 944, was recovered around 4:00 p.m. on June 30, 2025, by operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command’s Joint Task Force during a routine stop-and-search operation.
The driver, whose identity remains unknown, initially identified himself as a naval officer. However, according to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, LLB, Anipr, the suspect failed to present any credible identification or documents to support his claim.
“While interrogation was ongoing, the man suddenly bolted from the scene and escaped into a nearby forest,” the statement read. “All efforts to apprehend him immediately proved unsuccessful.”
Preliminary investigations revealed that the vehicle had been reported stolen in Rivers State. Upon contact with the Rivers State Police Command, a man (name withheld for security reasons) stepped forward with valid proof of ownership and reclaimed the vehicle.
Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has praised the patrol team’s vigilance and assured the public of the Command’s resolve to collaborate with other state commands in tracking down criminal elements and recovering stolen property.
The fugitive remains at large, while investigations continue.
