A suspected notorious car thief was allegedly apprehended by security operatives in the Marine Base area of Port Harcourt on Tuesday night, following a series of vehicle thefts that have unsettled residents in recent weeks.

The suspect, identified as a panel beater from Osun State, allegedly works with a syndicate specializing in stealing and reselling vehicles across state lines. His accomplice, an auto electrician from Akwa Ibom State, reportedly escaped and remains at large.

Eyewitnesses said the arrest followed multiple reports of missing vehicles, particularly after the completion of a newly constructed access road that improved movement but also created opportunities for criminal activity.

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly provided information about other members of the syndicate and their operations. He has since been handed over to the Rivers State Police Command for further investigation, while authorities continue the hunt for his fleeing accomplice.