Police recover stolen tricycle, seize suspected drugs

Etim Ekpimah
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the theft and unlawful possession of a stolen tricycle.
It was learnt that a separate raid operation led to the recovery of suspected hard drugs, a toy firearm and other incriminating items.
The stolen TVS tricycle, bearing registration number AFG 094 WZ, was recovered following a report by its owner, a resident of Afaha Itam in Itu Local Government Area, who alleged that the vehicle had been stolen from his residence by unknown persons. The tricycle was valued at about ₦1 million at the time of purchase.
Acting on the report, police operatives launched an intelligence-led investigation and deployed surveillance teams to strategic tricycle parks and loading points within and outside the area. Their efforts led to the arrest of Dominic Edet, from whose possession the stolen tricycle was recovered.
Further investigations resulted in the arrest of Asuquo Etim, who allegedly purchased the stolen tricycle from a suspect currently at large. Preliminary findings indicate that the vehicle was sold for ₦1.8 million.
In a separate operation, carried out in line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police to intensify stop-and-search duties and raids on identified criminal hideouts, police operatives conducted a coordinated raid in Ikot Ekwere Ubium Village.
During the operation, officers intercepted and searched 21-year-old Idorenyin Akpan, leading to the recovery of one wrap of crystal methamphetamine, popularly known as “ice”, a toy revolver pistol, a hammer, a pair of pliers, a small clay pot containing fetish materials, a rubber container, a bottle containing a liquid substance suspected to be used for ritualistic “body protection”, and an animal horn.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the officers involved in the operations for their professionalism, vigilance and dedication to duty. He reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, dismantling criminal networks and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice.
Azare also urged residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information, stressing that community partnership remains essential to sustaining peace, security and public safety across Akwa Ibom State.
He reaffirmed the command’s determination to ensure that criminals find no safe haven anywhere in the state.