Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested five suspected members of a tricycle robbery syndicate allegedly responsible for terrorizing residents of Uyo and its environs.
The police also recovered 72 assorted mobile phones and three tricycles believed to have been used for their criminal activities.
The State Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Uyo on Friday.
According to Azare, the suspects were apprehended following an intelligence-led operation that stemmed from a petition filed by one of their victims.
“On July 7, 2025, the command received a petition from a 41-year-old man, Mr. Aniekan Dan, who reported that on July 3, while returning from Ibesikpo with his wife, they boarded a tricycle from Ring Road 3 heading toward Nwaniba. Unknown to them, two other passengers in the tricycle were part of a robbery gang,” he said.
The commissioner explained that the victim and his wife were attacked near the University of Uyo Permanent Site Roundabout.
“The suspects, including the tricycle rider, brought out a firearm and ordered the couple to surrender their belongings. They made away with an iPhone 12 Pro Max valued at ₦680,000, an iPhone 16 worth ₦1.4 million, a Samsung S22 valued at ₦370,000, ₦28,200 cash, and a handbag containing personal items,” Azare narrated.
He added that after robbing the victims, the gang pushed them out of the moving tricycle.
However, the victims were able to identify the tricycle’s number (MOT–0BMR), which became a crucial lead in the investigation.
Following this development, operatives arrested the tricycle rider identified as Editi, aged 34, whose confession led to the arrest of four other suspects. They were named as Musa Idris Sanni (31), Utibe Asuquo Nkop (34), Dadati John (46), and Abdulrashid Sanni (28).
Azare commended the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and quick response.
“I commend the swift response and professionalism of our operatives who ensured the arrest of the suspects. The command under my leadership remains committed to making Akwa Ibom safe and free of criminal elements,” he said.
The commissioner urged victims of robbery incidents within the state to visit the Uyo Area Command with proof of ownership to reclaim their stolen items.
“The suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigations,” he assured.
