The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended 14 individuals who posed as tricycle and taxi drivers, commonly referred to as ‘one chance’ operators, to deceive and rob unsuspecting passengers of their valuables.
According to SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the police spokesperson in Rivers State, the arrest of 14 suspects was a response to mounting concerns about the rising number of attacks on commuters.
She explained that these criminals, armed and dangerous, had been masquerading as tricycle and taxi drivers to prey on unsuspecting members of the public, perpetrating violent attacks and robberies.
In response to the escalating situation, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olatunji Disu, ordered a comprehensive and intense operation to dismantle the criminal network, aiming to curb the menace and ensure the safety and security of the public.
“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 7:00 pm. 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.
According to SP Grace Iringe-Koko, during a patrol operation on Mummy B Road in Port Harcourt, law enforcement officers intercepted a tricycle with four individuals on board, who promptly fled the scene upon sighting the police team, suggesting their involvement in suspicious or criminal activities.
“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.
SP Grace Iringe-Koko revealed that Gabriel, one of the arrested suspects, admitted to being part of a notorious “one-chance” criminal syndicate operating in Port Harcourt and nearby areas, preying on unsuspecting passengers.
Additionally, she disclosed that another gang from Aba, known for robbing passengers in Rivers State and fleeing back to their base in Aba, was also apprehended.
The gang members, identified as Emeka Eze, Adaeze Nwamara, and Chika Nwangwa, had previously robbed a woman of her green Toyota Carina with the registration number AGL 539 BT.
“They diverted her from Artillery to the Government Reserved Area in Port Harcourt, stole her phone and used it to withdraw money from her bank account.
“Luck ran out them on July 6 when they unknowingly attempted to pick up the same woman they had robbed earlier while she waited for a taxi at Rukpokwu.
“The woman raised an alarm upon recognising them, leading passers-by to apprehend and alert the police,” she stated.
The police spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, announced that the three-member gang responsible for the robbery was swiftly apprehended and has since confessed to their crimes.
Furthermore, she revealed that six additional suspects, allegedly involved in “one-chance” operations, were arrested between March 8 and July 9 in various local government areas, including Obio/Akpor, Etche, and Ahoada.
The seized items included two tricycles, weapons (locally-made pistols and rifle), ammunition (three live cartridges), a dagger, and three mobile phones. Iringe-Koko emphasized the police command’s commitment to pursuing and bringing to justice all unrelenting criminals, ensuring the safety of both visitors and residents in the state.
