The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested a man pretending to be a senior military officer, identified as Austin Anthony, for leading a notorious car theft syndicate. The gang is known to operate in Nigeria and neighboring countries.
The arrest occurred on Birnin-Kebbi Road, where a police patrol team from the Bodinga Division intercepted Anthony. When stopped, he introduced himself as military personnel in an attempt to evade suspicion and get away with a stolen vehicle.
The arrest followed a complaint from two residents of the Badon Barade area in Sokoto. They reported that their cars—a Toyota Corolla and a Pontiac Vibe—were stolen early in the morning.
During investigations, Anthony confessed to the crime. The police also recovered two more stolen vehicles and arrested another suspect, Mansur Abubakar, linked to the gang. Anthony revealed that five other members of the group are spread across different states, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend them.
The police found several incriminating items in Anthony’s possession, including:
- Full Army uniforms with the rank of Major
- An Army ID card
- Fabricated master keys and multiple car keys
- Vehicle license plates
- Nigerian Army banners, stamps, and badges
Anthony had been arrested earlier in August 2024 for a similar crime and was arraigned in court. However, he was released on bail.
Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, has vowed to track down the remaining gang members and dismantle criminal networks in the state. He assured residents of the police’s dedication to ensuring their safety and called on them to remain vigilant and support law enforcement efforts.
This latest arrest highlights the Sokoto Police’s commitment to maintaining law and order and protecting citizens from criminal activities.
