Police Recover Stolen Tricycle, Arrest Two Suspects in Akwa Ibom Crackdown

June 15, () — The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says it has recovered a stolen tricycle and arrested two suspects in connection with the theft, as part of intensified operations against criminal activities across the state.

Police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, disclosed in a statement on Monday that the breakthrough followed a report by a resident of Afaha Itam in Itu Local Government Area whose TVS tricycle, bearing registration number AFG 094 WZ, was stolen from his residence by unknown persons.

According to the Command, operatives immediately launched intelligence-driven investigations and deployed surveillance teams to strategic tricycle parks and loading points within and outside the area.

The operation led to the arrest of one Dominic Edet and the recovery of the stolen tricycle from his possession.

Further investigations resulted in the arrest of another suspect, Asuquo Etim, who allegedly purchased the stolen vehicle from a suspect still at large. Police said preliminary findings revealed that the tricycle was sold for N1.8 million.

In a separate operation, officers carried out a coordinated raid at Ikot Ekwere Ubium Village as part of efforts to strengthen stop-and-search operations and dismantle criminal networks in identified flashpoints across the state.

During the raid, a 21-year-old suspect, Idorenyin Akpan, was arrested after a search allegedly uncovered a wrap of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as “Ice”, a toy revolver pistol, a hammer, a pair of pliers and others.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that criminal elements have no haven in Akwa Ibom State.

He commended the officers involved in the operations for their professionalism and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts to combat crime.

The command said investigations into both cases are ongoing and assured that all those connected to the offences would be brought to justice.