The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its sustained onslaught against criminal elements operating within the state.
Operatives of the command successfully apprehended a notorious tricycle robbery syndicate terrorizing 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 en route 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, 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
Exhibits recovered from the suspects include 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.
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.
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.
I have since ordered a discreet and comprehensive investigation to unravel the source of these items, ascertain their true ownership, and apprehend any other accomplices.
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.
I wish to reassure the great people of Akwa Ibom State of our unwavering commitment to their safety and security. We are here to serve and protect. I, therefore, urge you to continue partnering with us.
