Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested a suspected car thief who attempted to escape by diving into the Ogbese River during a dramatic pursuit along the Akure axis.
The suspect, ThankGod Unchena, 25, was apprehended following an intelligence-driven operation that also led to the recovery of a vehicle reportedly stolen in Lagos State.
Police sources said the breakthrough followed credible intelligence received on April 30, 2026, indicating that a silver Hyundai vehicle, earlier declared stolen, was being transported towards Abuja by suspected criminals.
Acting on the tip-off, operatives, particularly from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, deployed surveillance strategies and tracked the vehicle along its route, leading to its interception.
On sighting the officers, the prime suspect reportedly abandoned the vehicle and plunged into the Ogbese River in a bid to evade arrest. However, the operatives pursued him into the water and successfully apprehended him.
Further investigation revealed that the suspect had picked up another individual, Adewole Muyedeen, 53, during the journey. The police said the suspect allegedly handed over control of the vehicle to the man upon noticing security presence, in what appeared to be an attempt to avoid detection.
The second suspect was immediately arrested, while the recovered vehicle has been secured as an exhibit.
The police added that preliminary findings point to possible links with a wider criminal network, noting that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other suspects connected to the crime.
Both suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, commended the operatives for their professionalism and reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property. He also urged residents to continue to provide useful information to aid the fight against crime.