By Uko Etim
UYO — The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says it has arrested two suspects and recovered a stolen tricycle during coordinated raids as part of its intensified crackdown on crime across the state.
The Command made this known in a statement issued on Monday in Uyo by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John.
According to John, a resident of Afaha Itam in Itu Local Government Area reported the theft of his TVS tricycle with registration number AFG 094 WZ, and that the tricycle, valued at about N1 million at purchase, was stolen from his residence by unknown persons.
She said acting on the report, operatives launched intelligence-driven investigations and deployed surveillance teams to strategic tricycle parks and loading points within and outside Itu LGA.
John said the operation led to the arrest of Dominic Edet and the recovery of the stolen tricycle from him, adding further investigation led to the arrest of a second suspect, Asuquo Etim, who allegedly purchased the tricycle from an unidentified person still at large.
According to her, preliminary findings showed the tricycle was sold for N1.8 million.
In a separate operation ordered by the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare , operatives carried out stop-and-search and raids at identified black spots.
During a coordinated raid at Ikot Ekwere Ubium Village, a 21-year-old man, Idorenyin Akpan, was intercepted.
A search of Akpan led to the recovery of one wrap of Crystal Methamphetamine, popularly known as “Ice”, a toy revolver pistol, hammer, plier, a small clay pot with fetish materials, a rubber container, a bottle of liquid substance suspected to be for ritualistic “body protection”, and one animal horn.
CP Azare reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, dismantling criminal networks, and ensuring offenders face justice. He commended the officers involved for their professionalism, vigilance, and dedication.
The Command also called on residents to support police efforts with timely and credible information, saying community partnership remains key to sustaining peace and public safety in Akwa Ibom.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains resolute in its determination to deny criminals any safe haven within the state,” the statement concluded.
