The Enugu State Police Command has successfully recovered a stolen truck that was hijacked in Delta State and later abandoned by fleeing suspects in Enugu.
The Sinotruk, which was reported stolen after being hijacked from its owner in Delta State, was found by police operatives following intelligence-led operations and collaboration with sister security agencies across state lines.
According to a statement from the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, the recovery was made after officers received credible information about the whereabouts of the abandoned vehicle.
“Our officers, acting on intelligence, traced and recovered the stolen Sinotruk truck which had been hijacked in Delta State. The suspects, upon realizing that security operatives were closing in on them, abandoned the vehicle and fled,” the police spokesperson said.
The truck was reportedly found in good condition, though details about its exact location within Enugu State and the circumstances of its abandonment were not immediately disclosed.
Truck hijacking and cargo theft have become increasingly common across Nigeria, with criminal gangs targeting commercial vehicles transporting goods along major highways. These syndicates often operate across state boundaries, making recovery efforts challenging and requiring inter-state police cooperation.
The successful recovery demonstrates improved intelligence sharing and collaboration among police commands in different states, a critical factor in combating interstate crime.
Police authorities have launched a manhunt for the suspects involved in the hijacking, with investigations ongoing to identify and apprehend members of the criminal gang. Officers are examining the vehicle for forensic evidence that could lead to arrests.
The Delta State Police Command has been notified of the recovery, and arrangements are being made to reunite the vehicle with its rightful owner after necessary documentation and verification processes are completed.
Transportation stakeholders, including truck owners and drivers’ associations, have commended the Enugu Police for the swift recovery while calling for enhanced security measures along major highways to prevent such incidents.
“This recovery is encouraging, but we need sustained efforts to make our roads safer. Truck drivers face constant threats from hijackers and armed robbers,” said a representative of a transport union.
Security experts have advised truck owners to install tracking devices on their vehicles, maintain communication with drivers during trips, and report suspicious activities promptly to security agencies.
The Enugu State Commissioner of Police assured the public of the command’s commitment to combating all forms of criminality and urged residents to continue providing useful information to aid police operations.
“We will not relent in our efforts to ensure the safety of lives and property in Enugu State and beyond. We appeal to members of the public to partner with us by reporting criminal activities in their areas,” the commissioner stated.
The police have also warned criminals operating in the state that there would be no hiding place for them, emphasizing that law enforcement agencies are working round the clock to apprehend and prosecute offenders.