The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a four-man gang that specialises in snatching tricycles and mobile phones along the Awka and Ifite axis, with students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University among their prime targets.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the state police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad during a night patrol in the early hours of Monday.
Recovered items from the suspects included nine mobile phones—among them an iPhone belonging to one of their victims—one laptop, two tricycles with registration numbers LSD 464 QP and BLF 552 VH, four additional tricycle plate numbers, and a substance suspected to be a hard drug.
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, commended the operatives for their swift response and warned youths against engaging in crime. He stressed that the command would ensure offenders face the full weight of the law.
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