In a major breakthrough in the fight against crime, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has dismantled a notorious tricycle robbery syndicate responsible for a spate of violent attacks on unsuspecting commuters in Uyo metropolis and the environs.

This was disclosed at a press briefing held at the Police Command headquarters in Uyo on Friday by the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare.

He said, the arrest of five suspects linked to the criminal gang, followed a petition received from a victim, Mr. Aniekan Dan.

According to the Commissioner, “Mr. Dan, 41, reported that on July 3, while returning home with his wife from Ibesikpo, they boarded a commercial tricycle at Ring Road 3. Unknown to them, the tricycle rider and two supposed passengers were members of a coordinated robbery gang.

“Upon reaching the University of Uyo Main campus at Nwaiba, ner a Roundabout, the passengers pulled out a firearm and forcefully dispossessed the couple of several valuables, including an iPhone 12 Pro Max (₦680,000), an iPhone 16 (₦1.4 million), a Samsung S22 (₦370,000), ₦28,200 in cash and a handbag containing personal effects. The victims were subsequently thrown out of the moving vehicle.

“Crucially, they managed to note the tricycle’s MOT number (MOT–0BMR), which led to swift police action.

“Intelligence-led investigation resulted in the arrest of the tricycle rider, one Editi (34), and subsequently four other suspects namely; Musa Idris Sanni (31), Utibe Asuquo Nkop (34), Dadati John (46) and Abdulrashid Sanni (28)”.

He further stated that, the Police also recovered three tricycles and 72 assorted mobile phones suspected to be stolen and praised the swift and professional action of his officers, and called on members of the public who have lost phones in recent times, to visit the Area Command office in Uyo with proof of ownership to claim their items.

In a separate but related development, CP Azare said operatives intercepted another tricycle on Monday, October 13, along Nasarawa Road in Itam carrying five male occupants, found with suspicious load of brand-new/fairly used household items.

The recovered items included; five industrial standing fans, two microwave ovens, a bicycle, 50 stabilizers, electric kettles, StarTimes decoders, pressing irons, and a DVD player.

The arrested suspects are; Muhammed Saifuana (32), Musa Abdulahi (27), Samaila Sauwanu (21), Mubansir Abubakar (20) and Adamu Umar (25).

CP Azare disclosed that, a discreet investigation has been launched to determine the origin of the items and apprehend any additional suspects connected to the case, reaffirming the command’s commitment to public safety.

According to him, “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.”

He commended the vigilance of the victims and the dedication of his officers, urging the public to continue partnering with the police to ensure a safer Akwa Ibom for all, assuring that, all the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of ongoing investigations.