The Police Command in Rivers has arrested 14 suspects who disguise as tricycle and taxi drivers, popularly known as ‘one chance,’ to rob passengers of their belongings.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, told journalists in Port Harcourt on Thursday that the arrest followed growing concerns over increasing attacks on commuters.
She said that armed robbers disguised as tricycle and cab drivers to target innocent members of the public for attacks.
The spokesperson said that the development prompted the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, Olatunji Disu, to direct a total crackdown on the syndicate.
“This directive led to the arrest a four-man gang on April 4, operating mainly at Eliozu and Rumuodara in Obio/Akpor area. They pose as drivers or commuters of tricycles to rob citizens.
“The gang usually operates from 7.00p.m. We recovered a tricycle and kitchen knife from them.
“Serious efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining fleeing gang members and retrieve their weapon,” she said.
Iringe-Koko further said that law enforcement officers on patrol at Mummy B Road in Port Harcourt intercepted a tricycle with four occupants who escaped upon seeing the police team.
“Inside the tricycle were two locally made pistols, two live cartridges, one expended cartridge, a dagger, a Bluetooth radio, and tramadol pills.
“Additionally, on July 8, operatives intercepted a black Mazda vehicle with three occupants during a stop and search operation.
“One of the occupants, Solomon Gabriel, exited the vehicle, and the car immediately sped off with the other occupants,” she added.