Police Dismantle Tricycle Theft Syndicate in Port Harcourt, Arrest Three Suspects
The Rivers State Police Command has announced a significant breakthrough in combating crime, with a coordinated police operation successfully exposing and dismantling a tricycle theft syndicate operating across key areas of Port Harcourt. This operation led to the arrest of three suspects, the recovery of stolen vehicles, and the seizure of a firearm, marking a decisive blow against organized criminal activities targeting commercial tricycle operators in the region.
Swift Action Following Victim Report
According to a press release issued by the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, the operation was initiated after a report filed on March 19, 2026, at approximately 11:00 p.m. by a 32-year-old tricycle operator, Sadiq Gara, at Octopus Base. Gara recounted a harrowing incident from the previous day, where at about 9:00 a.m., he picked up three passengers in Elelenwo who later turned on him during the journey. One of the men reportedly pulled a gun, forcing Gara to surrender his tricycle, highlighting the violent nature of the syndicate’s operations.
Intelligence-Driven Operation and Arrests
Acting swiftly on the report, operatives of the Command launched an intelligence-driven operation that resulted in the recovery of the stolen tricycle. The investigation further traced the suspects to a hideout at Army Range in Igwuruta, where two members of the gang—Abdullahi Mohammed, 23, and Yusuf Umaru, 25—were apprehended. In a related development, police also arrested a 28-year-old man, Mohammed Usman, identified as a receiver of stolen items linked to the syndicate, underscoring the network’s complexity.
Recovery of Evidence and Confessions
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in the crimes. A search conducted on them led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, two live cartridges, and two stolen tricycles, providing tangible evidence of their illicit activities. Investigations deepened after another victim, Rosemary James, identified one of the suspects as part of a gang that had earlier dispossessed her of her tricycle earlier in the year, linking the syndicate to multiple offenses.
Wider Criminal Network Uncovered
Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects belong to a wider criminal network responsible for a string of robberies targeting tricycle operators in Elelenwo, Igwuruta, Tank, and Woji areas. The syndicate allegedly moved stolen tricycles through a distribution chain, delivering over 20 of them to a receiver who transported the vehicles to northern states including Kano, Bauchi, and Adamawa, revealing the extensive reach of their operations.
Ongoing Efforts and Public Advisory
Police say efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the gang and recover more stolen property. CSP Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed that investigations are continuing as authorities intensify efforts to bring all those connected to the syndicate to justice. Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, urged commercial tricycle operators to exercise caution, particularly when picking up passengers at odd hours, and to promptly report suspicious movements. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance in combating crime.
