Rivers Police Command Dismantles Tricycle Theft Syndicate in Major Crackdown
The Rivers State Police Command has successfully exposed and dismantled a sophisticated tricycle theft syndicate that had been 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 firearms, marking a significant victory in the fight against organized crime in the region.
Intelligence-Driven Operation Leads to Breakthrough
According to a statement released by the Command’s Spokesperson, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, the breakthrough followed a report filed on March 19, 2026, at approximately 11:00 p.m. by a 32-year-old tricycle operator named Sadiq Gara at Octopus Base. Gara recounted how, a day earlier at about 9:00 a.m., he picked up three passengers in Elelenwo who later turned on him mid-journey. One of the men reportedly pulled a gun, forcing Gara to surrender his tricycle.
Acting swiftly on this report, operatives of the Command launched an intelligence-driven operation that resulted in the recovery of the stolen tricycle. The operation 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.
Arrest of Receiver and Recovery of Evidence
In a related development, police arrested a 28-year-old man, Mohammed Usman, identified as a receiver of stolen items linked to the syndicate. During interrogation, the suspects 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.
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. This connection highlighted the syndicate’s broader criminal activities.
Wider Criminal Network Uncovered
The Command’s spokesperson added that preliminary findings indicate the suspects belong to a wider criminal network responsible for a string of robberies targeting tricycle operators in Elelenwo, Igwuruta, Tank, and Woji areas. She revealed that 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.
Efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the gang and recover more stolen property. Iringe-Koko confirmed that investigations are continuing as authorities intensify efforts to bring all those connected to the syndicate to justice.
Police Commissioner Issues Cautionary Advice
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, 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 cooperation in combating crime.
This operation underscores the Rivers State Police Command’s proactive approach to tackling organized crime and enhancing public safety in the region.
