By Solomon OKPO
UYO, The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against urban crime with the arrest of a notorious tricycle robbery syndicate that has been terrorizing residents of Uyo metropolis and surrounding areas.
Speaking during a press briefing at the State Police Headquarters in Uyo on Friday, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, disclosed that the operation followed a detailed investigation triggered by a petition received on July 7, 2025.
According to CP Azare, a resident, Mr. Aniekan Dan, reported that he and his wife were robbed at gunpoint on July 3 after boarding a commercial tricycle along Ring Road 3, en route to Nwaniba. The robbery, which occurred at the UniUyo Permanent Site Roundabout, involved two fake passengers and the tricycle rider working in concert. The suspects made away with mobile phones valued at over ₦2.4 million, cash, and personal items before pushing the victims out of the moving tricycle.
Crucially, the victims had noted the tricycle’s MOT number (MOT–0BMR), which police used to trace and arrest the primary suspect, a 34-year-old tricycle operator identified as Editi. His confession led to the arrest of four other gang members across different locations, including outside the state. The suspects include:
1. Musa Idris Sanni (31)
2. Utibe Asuquo Nkop (34)
3. Dadati John (46)
4. Abdulrashid Sanni (28)
During the operation, police recovered three tricycles and seventy-two (72) assorted mobile phones suspected to be stolen from previous victims. The Command is now calling on members of the public who may have been robbed to visit the Area Command office in Uyo with proof of ownership to reclaim their items.
In a separate but related incident, CP Azare revealed that on October 13, 2025, operatives intercepted another tricycle along Nasarawa Road carrying five male occupants and a suspicious load of brand-new household items. Items recovered included industrial fans, microwave ovens, a bicycle, stabilizers, and other electronics.
The five suspects—Muhammed Saifuana (32), Musa Abdulahi (27), Samaila Sauwanu (21), Mubansir Abubakar (20), and Adamu Umar (25)—are currently under investigation as police work to determine the origin and ownership of the goods.
“These arrests underscore our commitment to proactive and intelligence-led policing,” CP Azare stated. “Whether criminals operate in tricycles, homes, or highways, we are closing in on them from all fronts. The people of Akwa Ibom can rest assured that we will not relent until the state is safe for all.”
The Police Commissioner commended the swift action of his officers and the vigilance of community members, urging continued collaboration between the public and the police. All suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
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