The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a four-man gang notorious for snatching tricycles and phones along the Awka–Ifite axis, with students and unsuspecting residents being their primary targets.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the state police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, revealed that operatives of the Rapid Response Squad effected the arrest in the early hours of Monday.
Items recovered from the gang include nine mobile phones—among them a victim’s iPhone—one laptop, two tricycles bearing registration numbers LSD 464 QP and BLF 552 VH, four extra tricycle plate numbers, and a substance suspected to be hard drugs.
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The statement read, “Anambra State Police Operatives attached to Rapid Response Squad Akwuzu, during night patrol on August 25, 2025, along the Agu Awka/Ifite Awka axis, intercepted a tricycle and arrested a four-man criminal syndicate specialising in robbing residents, particularly students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, of phones and other valuables.
“The suspects are: Nnaji Chidera, 19; Chijioke Mmaduabuchi, 21; Wisdom Ogbonna, 19; and Afamefuna Egbe, 20. Upon interrogation, they confessed to being part of a criminal syndicate that robs students in the Awka axis. They revealed that multiple tricycle plate numbers were used to disguise their vehicles during operations.”
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, praised the operatives for their prompt action and cautioned young people against engaging in criminal activities. He stressed that the command remains committed to ensuring that offenders face the full weight of the law.
