By Augustine Ehikioya
Some operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have smashed tricycle robbery syndicate in Uyo.
It also nabbed another tricycle loaded with suspected stolen goods.
These were disclosed by the Commissioner Of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare during press briefing on Friday.
It was monitored by Security Watch Africa (SWA).
He said “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its sustained onslaught against criminal elements operating within the state, as operatives have successfully apprehended a notorious tricycle robbery syndicate terrorising residents of Uyo metropolis and its environs.
“On 7th July, 2025, the Command received a petition from one Mr. Aniekan Dan, aged 41 years. He reported that on 3rd July, 2025 at about 7:00 pm, while returning from Ibesikpo with his wife, they boarded a tricycle from Ring Road 3 enroute Nwaniba. Unknown to them, two other men already seated in the tricycle were members of a robbery gang.
“On getting to UniUyo Permanent Site Roundabout, the two supposed passengers, in collaboration with the tricycle rider, suddenly brought out a firearm and ordered the couple to surrender their belongings.
“They were dispossessed of an iPhone 12 Pro Max valued at ₦680,000, iPhone 16 valued at ₦1,400,000, Samsung S22 valued at ₦370,000, cash sum of ₦28,200, and a handbag containing personal effects.”
After robbing and assaulting the victims, he said the suspects pushed them out of the moving tricycle.
“Fortunately, the victims managed to identify the MOT number (MOT–0BMR) of the fleeing tricycle, which proved vital in tracking down the culprits.
“Through intelligence-led investigation, Police operatives arrested the tricycle rider, one Editi, aged 34 years, alongside the tricycle used in the operation.
“His voluntary statement led to the arrest of four other members of the gang, both within and outside Akwa Ibom State.
1. Musa Idris Sanni, 31 years
2. Utibe Asuquo Nkop, 34 years
3. Dadati John, 46 years
4. Abdulrashid Sanni, 28 years”
The CP said exhibits recovered from the suspects included three (3) tricycles and seventy-two (72) assorted mobile phones reasonably suspected to have been stolen from unsuspecting victims.
“I therefore wish to commend the swift response and professionalism exhibited by our operatives who affected the arrests.
“The Command under my leadership will not relent in ensuring that our people sleep with their two eyes closed. We are therefore calling on all victims to visit our Area Command Uyo office with proof of ownership and claim their phones. The suspects will have their day in court after completion of investigation,” he stated.
On the second case, the CP said “In a related development that underscores our proactive policing approach, on Monday, October 13, 2025, Operative of the Command intercepted a tricycle with registration number 298 WZ along Nasarawa Road.
“The tricycle, carrying five male occupants, was found to be loaded with a large quantity of assorted, brand-new household items, which immediately raised suspicion.
“The recovered items include: Five (5) industrial standing fans, Two (2) microwave ovens, One (1) bicycle, Fifty (50) pieces of stabilizers, Three (3) electric kettles, Two (2) brand new Startime decoders, Four (4) pressing irons, One (1) DVD player, and several other goods.”
According to him, the five suspects arrested are: Muhammed Saifuana, ‘M’ aged 32 yrs, Musa Abdulahi, ‘M’ aged 27yrs, Samaila Sauwanu, ‘M’ aged 21yrs, Mubansir Abubakar, ‘M’ aged 20yrs and Adamu Umar, ‘M’ aged 25yrs.
He said that he has ordered a discreet and comprehensive investigation to unravel the source of the items, ascertain their true ownership, and apprehend any other accomplices.
The CP added “Let me be clear, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command under my watch will not tolerate any form of criminality. We are closing in on criminal elements from all fronts, whether they operate on tricycles, in homes, or on the highways.
“These two cases highlight a crucial partnership, the vigilance of our citizens, as demonstrated by one of the victims and the proactive, dedicated response of our Police Officers.
“Investigation is ongoing in both cases, and all suspects will be charged to court upon its conclusion.”
He reassured the people of Akwa Ibom State of the police unwavering commitment to their safety and security.
“We are here to serve and protect. I, therefore, urge you to continue partnering with us” the CP stated.
