Akwa Ibom police have busted a robbery gang that terrorized Uyo residents using tricycles.
The operation led to multiple arrests and recovery of stolen phones, tricycles, and other valuable items.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has dismantled a robbery syndicate that has been terrorizing residents in Uyo and nearby areas.
Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, made this known on Friday, October 17, 2025, during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia. He revealed that the suspects specialized in using tricycles to rob unsuspecting passengers of their phones, cash, and other valuables.
According to Azare, the operation led to the recovery of three tricycles and seventy-two mobile phones believed to have been stolen from various victims.
He explained that the breakthrough followed a petition filed by one Aniekan Dan, 41, who reported that he and his wife were robbed at gunpoint on July 3, 2025, by a tricycle gang while returning from Ibesikpo to Uyo. The couple reportedly lost three mobile phones an iPhone 12 Pro Max, an iPhone 16, and a Samsung S22 along with cash and other possessions.
The commissioner stated that the tricycle’s number plate, MOT-0BMR, provided a crucial lead in identifying the culprits. Following intelligence-driven investigations, police operatives apprehended the rider, identified as Editi, 34, whose confession led to the arrest of four accomplices: Musa Idris Sanni, 31; Utibe Asuquo Nkop, 34; Dadati John, 46; and Abdulrashid Sanni, 28.
Azare said the Command would continue to strengthen its operations to ensure residents live without fear of crime. He encouraged victims to visit the Uyo Area Command with evidence of ownership to reclaim their recovered property, adding that the suspects would be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
In a separate operation on October 13, 2025, police officers intercepted a tricycle along Nasarawa Road, Uyo, loaded with assorted new household items. The vehicle, registered as 298 WZ, carried five male occupants.
Recovered items included five industrial standing fans, two microwave ovens, a bicycle, fifty stabilizers, three electric kettles, two Startime decoders, four pressing irons, a DVD player, and other electronics.
Those arrested were identified as Muhammed Saifuana, 32; Musa Abdulahi, 27; Samaila Sauwanu, 21; Mubansir Abubakar, 20; and Adamu Umar, 25. Police said investigations were ongoing to determine the source and ownership of the goods.
Azare reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance policy toward crime and urged residents to remain alert and cooperate with security agencies. He said the police remain committed to protecting lives and property across the state.
