The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another major success in its fight against crime, following the arrest of a notorious tricycle robbery gang that has been terrorising residents of Uyo and its surrounding areas.Speaking during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Uyo on Friday, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, said the breakthrough came after a petition was received from a victim, Mr. Aniekan Dan, on 7 July 2025.
According to the Commissioner, Mr. Dan and his wife were robbed on 3 July 2025 while returning from Ibesikpo. They boarded a tricycle from Ring Road 3 heading towards Nwaniba, unaware that two other passengers and the rider were members of a robbery syndicate.
“On reaching UniUyo Permanent Site Roundabout, the suspects brought out a firearm and ordered the couple to surrender their belongings,” the Commissioner said.
The victims were dispossessed of two iPhones, a Samsung S22 phone, a handbag containing personal items, and cash totalling ₦28,200 before being pushed out of the moving tricycle. However, they managed to identify the tricycle’s MOT number, which became a vital lead in the investigation.
Through an intelligence-led operation, police arrested the tricycle rider, one Editi, aged 34, who later led operatives to four other gang members. They are:
1.Musa Idris Sanni (31 years)
2.Utibe Asuquo Nkop (34 years)
3.Dadati John (46 years)
4.Abdulrashid Sanni (28 years)
Items recovered from the suspects include three tricycles and seventy-two assorted mobile phones believed to have been stolen from unsuspecting victims.
The Commissioner commended the swift response of his officers, assuring residents that the Command will continue to ensure their safety.
“The Command under my leadership will not relent in ensuring that our people sleep with their two eyes closed,” CP Azare said. “We are calling on all victims to visit our Area Command Uyo office with proof of ownership to claim their phones. The suspects will have their day in court after investigation.”
In a related operation on Monday, 13 October 2025, operatives intercepted another tricycle along Nasarawa Road in Uyo carrying five male occupants and a large quantity of brand-new household items, raising suspicion.
Recovered items include five industrial standing fans, two microwave ovens, one bicycle, fifty stabilisers, three electric kettles, two Startime decoders, four pressing irons, one DVD player, and other goods.
The suspects arrested in this case are:
•Muhammed Saifuana (32 years)
•Musa Abdulahi (27 years)
•Samaila Sauwanu (21 years)
•Mubansir Abubakar (20 years)
•Adamu Umar (25 years)
CP Azare said a discreet investigation is ongoing to determine the source and ownership of the recovered items and to arrest 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,” he stated.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with the police to ensure lasting peace and security in the state.
