The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, under the proactive leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has recorded a major operational breakthrough in its sustained offensive against robbery and other violent crimes across the State.
On 24th February, 2026, acting decisively on credible and actionable intelligence, operatives of the Command arrested one Ogbonnaya Kalu, a suspected member of a notorious robbery syndicate that specializes in ambushing, attacking, and dispossessing tricycle operators of their tricycles, thereby depriving hardworking citizens of their means of livelihood.
A statement signed by the command public relations officer DSP Timfon John on behalf of the state commissioner of police Baba Mohammad Azare said upon his arrest, a stolen tricycle with Registration Number JRC 139 QZ was recovered from the suspect.
Further intelligence-led follow-up operations subsequently resulted in the recovery of another stolen tricycle with Registration Number KNE 747 QJ, confirming the suspect’s active involvement in the criminal gang’s operations.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect operates as part of a coordinated criminal network that deliberately targets unsuspecting tricycle owners, using threats and violence to perpetrate their crimes. These acts have caused fear, economic hardship, and insecurity among transport operators and residents.
In line with the zero-tolerance stance of the Commissioner of Police, the Command has intensified manhunt operations to track down and arrest all other members of the gang, dismantle the syndicate completely, and recover additional stolen property.
The suspect remains in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Command issues a stern warning to all criminal elements and their collaborators to desist immediately or relocate, as the Police under the leadership of CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, will not hesitate to identify, pursue, and decisively deal with anyone involved in criminal activities.
The era of terrorizing law-abiding citizens in Akwa Ibom State is over.
The Command reassures the good people of Akwa Ibom State of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property and urges members of the public to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information.
