The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has smashed a notorious tricycle robbery gang that has long terrorized residents of Uyo and its environs, recovering 72 stolen phones and arresting five suspects linked to the violent crimes.
Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, who announced the breakthrough during a press briefing at the State Command Headquarters, Uyo on Friday described the arrests as a major stride in the Command’s onslaught against criminal elements in the state.
According to Azare, the operation followed a petition filed by one Mr. Aniekan Dan, who reported that on July 3, 2025, he and his wife were robbed at gunpoint after boarding a tricycle from Ring Road 3 to Nwaniba.
The couple were dispossessed of valuables including an iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 16, Samsung S22, and ₦28,200 in cash, before being thrown out of the moving tricycle.
The victims, however, managed to identify the tricycle’s MOT number (MOT–0BMR) — a detail police used to track down the culprits.
Through intelligence-led operations, the tricycle rider, Editi (34), was first arrested, leading to the capture of four others including Musa Idris Sanni (31), Utibe Asuquo Nkop (34, Dadati John (46) and Abdulrashid Sanni (28)
Recovered exhibits include three tricycles and 72 assorted mobile phones, believed to have been stolen from unsuspecting victims.
Azare indicated saying,
“Our operatives responded swiftly and professionally,” CP Azare said. “We will not relent until residents can sleep with both eyes closed.”
He urged victims of tricycle robberies to visit the Area Command Uyo Office with proof of ownership to reclaim their belongings, adding that the suspects will be charged to court after investigations.
In a related operation on October 13, 2025, police operatives intercepted a tricycle with registration number 298 WZ along Nasarawa Road, Uyo, loaded with brand-new household items suspected to have been stolen.
Recovered items include five industrial standing fans, two microwaves, one bicycle, 50 stabilizers, three electric kettles, two StarTimes decoders, four pressing irons, and one DVD player.
The five suspects included, Muhammed Saifuana (32), Musa Abdulahi (27), Samaila Sauwanu (21),
Mubansir Abubakar (20) andAdamu Umar (25)
CP Azare said a comprehensive investigation is underway to trace the source of the goods and apprehend additional accomplices.
“Let it be clear,” he warned, “the Command will not tolerate criminality in any form. We are closing in on criminals operating on tricycles, in homes, and on highways.”
He reaffirmed the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on crime, commending citizens for their vigilance and cooperation with the police.
“These successes reflect what is possible when the people and the police work together,” he said. “We remain committed to keeping Akwa Ibom safe.”