…recover allegedly stolen ‘keke’
By Ime Silas
UYO — The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded fresh operational gains in its crackdown on crime, announcing the arrest of two suspects linked to tricycle theft and the recovery of suspected narcotics, a toy firearm, and fetish items during a coordinated raid in Itu LGA.
According to a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Timfon John, the breakthroughs followed intelligence-led operations and stop-and-search directives issued by the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare fsi.
The first case involved the theft of a TVS tricycle with registration number AFG 094 WZ, valued at about ₦1 million, which was stolen from a residence in Afaha Itam, Itu Local Government Area.
“Upon receipt of the report, Operatives of the Command immediately commenced intelligence-driven investigations and deployed surveillance teams to strategic tricycle parks and loading points within and outside the area,” DSP John stated.
Police said their sustained surveillance paid off when one suspect, identified as Dominic Edet, was arrested and the stolen tricycle recovered from his possession. Further interrogation led investigators to a second suspect, Asuquo Etim, who allegedly bought the tricycle from an unidentified person still at large.
Preliminary findings, the Command disclosed, showed the tricycle was resold for ₦1.8 million — nearly double its original purchase price.
“The tricycle, valued at approximately One Million Naira at the time of purchase, was stolen from where it was parked in his residence by unknown persons,” the statement noted, adding that both suspects are assisting police with further investigations.
In a separate operation, operatives acting on the Commissioner’s directive to intensify raids at identified criminal black spots stormed Ikot Ekwere Ubium Village. During the operation, a 21-year-old male, Idorenyin Akpan, was intercepted and searched.
The search yielded a cache of exhibits, including one wrap of Crystal Methamphetamine commonly called “Ice”, one toy revolver pistol, a hammer, plier, a small clay pot containing fetish materials, a rubber container, a bottle of liquid substance suspected to be used for ritualistic “body protection”, and one animal horn.
DSP John said the items were recovered to prevent their use in further criminal activity and to disrupt suspected cult-related or ritual operations in the area.
Reacting to the arrests, CP Baba Mohammed Azare fsi reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to rid the state of criminal elements.
“The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare fsi, reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, dismantling criminal networks, and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice,” the statement read.
He also commended the officers involved for what he described as “professionalism, vigilance, and dedication to duty” during the operations.
The Police Command used the opportunity to call on residents to partner with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid crime prevention.
“The Command also urges members of the public to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information. Community partnership remains a vital component in the collective effort to sustain peace, security, and public safety across Akwa Ibom State,” DSP John said.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the statement stressed that the Command “remains resolute in its determination to deny criminals any safe haven within the State.”
Both suspects arrested in connection with the stolen tricycle are expected to be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations, while the 21-year-old found with drugs and fetish items remains in custody.
