Police Dismantle Tricycle Robbery Gang, Recover 72 Stolen Phones and Other Items in Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has dismantled a notorious robbery syndicate that had been terrorizing residents of Uyo and its surrounding areas.

State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, disclosed this on Friday, October 17, 2025, during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo. He explained that the gang operated using tricycles to rob unsuspecting residents of their phones and other valuables.

According to the CP, operatives recovered three tricycles and seventy-two assorted mobile phones suspected to have been stolen from victims.

Azare said the Command launched an investigation after receiving a petition from one Mr. Aniekan Dan, 41, who reported that he and his wife were robbed at gunpoint by a tricycle gang while returning from Ibesikpo to Uyo on July 3, 2025.

The couple, who boarded a tricycle from Ring Road 3 to Nwaniba, were dispossessed of three mobile phones, an iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 16, and Samsung S22, as well as cash and other valuables.

CP Azare said the victims’ ability to identify the tricycle’s MOT number (MOT–0BMR) was instrumental in tracking down the culprits.

Following intelligence-led investigations, operatives arrested the tricycle rider, identified as Editi, 34, whose confession led to the arrest of four other members of the gang: Musa Idris Sanni, 31, Utibe Asuquo Nkop, 34, Dadati John, 46, and Abdulrashid Sanni, 28.

“The Command under my leadership will not relent in ensuring that our people sleep with their two eyes closed,” CP Azare stated.

He urged victims to visit the Uyo Area Command with proof of ownership to reclaim their recovered items.

Azare assured that the suspects would be charged to

court after investigation.

In a related development, operatives of the Command on October 13, 2025, intercepted a tricycle with registration number 298 WZ along Nasarawa Road, carrying five male occupants and loaded with assorted brand-new household items.

The recovered goods included five industrial standing fans, two microwave ovens, a bicycle, 50 stabilizers, three electric kettles, two Startime decoders, four pressing irons, a DVD player, and several other items.

The suspects, Muhammed Saifuana, 32; Musa Abdulahi, 27; Samaila Sauwanu, 21; Mubansir Abubakar, 20; and Adamu Umar, 25 were arrested, while investigations are ongoing to determine the source and ownership of the recovered items.

CP Azare reaffirmed the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on crime, warning that criminal elements operating within the state will be relentlessly pursued.

These two cases highlight the importance of citizen vigilance and the proactive response of our officers. We remain committed to protecting lives and property and call on residents to continue partnering with the police,” he added.