Akwa Ibom robbery syndicate busted as police arrest suspects, recover 72 stolen phones and tricycles in Uyo during coordinated anti-crime operations.
The Akwa Ibom robbery syndicate that had been terrorising residents of Uyo and neighbouring communities has been dismantled by the Akwa Ibom police following a coordinated intelligence-driven operation that led to multiple arrests and the recovery of 72 stolen mobile phones.
State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, announced the development on Friday, October 17, 2025, during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo.
According to him, the gang operated mainly with tricycles (popularly called Keke) to dispossess passengers of their valuables, contributing significantly to rising crime in Akwa Ibom in recent months.
CP Azare explained that the breakthrough came after a detailed investigation into several robbery complaints involving tricycles.
The police launched an operation following a petition filed by Mr. Aniekan Dan, 41, who reported that he and his wife were attacked by armed robbers on July 3, 2025, while returning from Ibesikpo to Uyo.
The couple boarded a tricycle from Ring Road 3 to Nwaniba but were held at gunpoint and robbed of their belongings, including three high-end smartphones — an iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 16, and Samsung S22 — along with cash and other valuables.
A crucial clue came from the victims’ ability to recall the tricycle’s Ministry of Transport (MOT) number – MOT–0BMR, which later guided detectives to the suspects.
Major Arrests and Recovery of Items
Through a combination of surveillance and intelligence tracking, operatives apprehended the tricycle rider, identified as Editi, aged 34.
His confession led to the arrest of four accomplices — Musa Idris Sanni (31), Utibe Asuquo Nkop (34), Dadati John (46), and Abdulrashid Sanni (28) — all confirmed members of the Akwa Ibom robbery syndicate.
The police recovered three tricycles used for their operations and seventy-two assorted mobile phones suspected to have been stolen from multiple victims.
CP Azare urged victims to visit the Uyo Area Command with proof of ownership to reclaim their belongings, adding that the suspects would soon be charged to court.
“The Command under my leadership will not relent in ensuring that our people sleep with their two eyes closed,” the Commissioner said.
Second Operation: Another Robbery Network Intercepted
In a related development, the Akwa Ibom police arrested another group suspected of being part of an extended criminal ring.
On October 13, 2025, operatives on patrol intercepted a tricycle along Nasarawa Road carrying five male occupants and several brand-new household items suspected to be stolen property.
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 other electronics.
The suspects — Muhammed Saifuana (32), Musa Abdulahi (27), Samaila Sauwanu (21), Mubansir Abubakar (20), and Adamu Umar (25) — could not provide ownership proof or receipts for the items.
They are currently in custody as investigations continue to trace their supply chain and potential link to the Akwa Ibom robbery syndicate.
CP Azare reiterated that the Command maintains a zero-tolerance stance on crime in Akwa Ibom.
He assured that the police would continue to pursue criminal elements across the state until the environment becomes completely hostile to their operations.
“We are determined to make Akwa Ibom a crime-free state through proactive policing, community partnership, and intelligence-based operations,” Azare stated.
He commended his officers for their bravery and efficiency, noting that the swift arrests demonstrate the effectiveness of coordinated policing strategies.
The Commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or criminal activities within their neighbourhoods.
“Our success depends on the cooperation of law-abiding citizens. These arrests show what we can achieve together,” he added.
The dismantling of the Akwa Ibom robbery syndicate has drawn praise from residents and community leaders in Uyo.
Many described the arrests as timely, saying tricycle-related robberies had become a growing threat to commuters, especially at night.
Mr. Samuel Inyang, a local community representative, lauded the police for their swift response and encouraged citizens to always note the registration numbers of tricycles they board for safety purposes.
“This operation has restored confidence in public transport within Uyo. We commend the police for acting decisively and bringing the culprits to book,” he said.
Transport unions have also pledged to collaborate with the police by monitoring tricycle operators more closely and reporting suspicious behaviour to law enforcement authorities.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command’s successful operation underscores its commitment to eradicating crime in Akwa Ibom and protecting law-abiding citizens.
Through swift intelligence, community cooperation, and determined enforcement, the Command has dismantled the Akwa Ibom robbery syndicate and recovered scores of stolen items.
Residents have been urged to stay alert, report incidents promptly, and work closely with security agencies to ensure that Uyo and its environs remain safe.
As the investigation progresses, the Akwa Ibom police have vowed that every member of the criminal network will face the full weight of the law, ensuring that peace and security are restored across the state.
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