Police arrest three over tricycle theft, drug possession in A’Ibom

Officers of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have apprehended two suspected tricycle thieves and another suspect for unlawful possession of a substance suspected to be crystal methamphetamine, popularly known as “Ice”.

A statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, in Uyo on Monday said the tricycle theft suspects, Dominic Edet and Asuquo Etim, were arrested in separate intelligence-led operations in Itu Local Government Area of the state.

“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded significant operational successes in its ongoing fight against crime and criminality across the state, resulting in the arrest of suspects involved in the theft and unlawful possession of a stolen tricycle, as well as the recovery of dangerous exhibits during a strategic raid operation.

“In one of the operations, a resident of Afaha Itam in Itu Local Government Area reported the theft of his TVS tricycle with registration number AFG 094 WZ. The tricycle, valued at approximately N1 million at the time of purchase, was stolen from where it was parked at his residence by unknown persons.

“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.

“Through sustained efforts and diligent investigation, one suspect, identified as Dominic Edet, was arrested and the stolen tricycle was successfully recovered from his possession.

“Further investigation led to the arrest of another suspect, Asuquo Etim, who allegedly purchased the stolen tricycle from a yet-to-be-identified individual currently at large. Preliminary findings indicate that the tricycle was sold for the sum of N1.8 million,” the statement read in part.

The command said a separate operation conducted by its operatives led to the arrest of a 21-year-old suspect, Idorenyin Akpan, who was intercepted during a raid on identified black spots in the state.

According to the statement, one wrap of crystal methamphetamine, popularly known as “Ice”, one toy revolver pistol, one hammer and other items were recovered from the suspect.

The statement added, “In a separate operation carried out in compliance with the directive of the Commissioner of Police to intensify stop-and-search operations and raids across identified black spots, operatives of the Command conducted a coordinated raid at Ikot Ekwere Ubium Village.

“During the operation, one Idorenyin Akpan, a 21-year-old male, was intercepted and searched. The search led to the recovery of the following items from his possession: one wrap of crystal methamphetamine, popularly known as ‘Ice’; one toy revolver pistol; one hammer; one plier; a small clay pot containing fetish materials; a small rubber container; a bottle containing a liquid substance suspected to be used for ritualistic ‘body protection’; and one animal horn.”

Urging members of the public to support ongoing operations with timely and credible information, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, dismantling criminal networks, and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice.

The CP commended the officers involved in the operations for their professionalism, vigilance and dedication to duty, while also emphasising the command’s determination to tackle criminality head-on across the state.