The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its renewed offensive against robbery and violent crimes, arresting a suspected member of a tricycle-snatching syndicate and recovering two stolen tricycles.
The operation, carried out under the proactive leadership of Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, followed credible and actionable intelligence on the activities of a criminal gang terrorising tricycle operators across the state.
Police operatives on February 24, 2026, swooped on one Ogbonnaya Kalu, believed to be a key member of the syndicate notorious for ambushing and dispossessing commercial tricycle riders of their vehicles — a development that has left many hardworking operators stranded and economically distressed.
Upon his arrest, officers recovered a stolen tricycle bearing Registration Number JRC 139 QZ. Further intelligence-led follow-up operations led to the recovery of another stolen tricycle with Registration Number KNE 747 QJ, reinforcing suspicions of the suspect’s active role in the gang’s coordinated operations.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate strategically targets unsuspecting tricycle owners, using threats and violence to seize their means of livelihood. The criminal activities, police said, have fueled fear and insecurity among transport operators and residents.
Reaffirming the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on crime, CP Azare has ordered an intensified manhunt to track down other fleeing members of the gang, dismantle the network completely, and recover additional stolen property.
The suspect remains in police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.The Command issued a stern warning to criminal elements to desist or face the full weight of the law, declaring that the era of terrorising law-abiding citizens in Akwa Ibom is over.
Residents have been urged to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information, as the Command reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, for the Commissioner of Police.
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