The Rivers State Police Command has arrested 14 suspects who disguise themselves as tricycle and taxi drivers, popularly known as one chance, to rob passengers of their belongings.

The command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, made this known to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, said that the arrest followed growing concerns over increasing attacks on commuters.

She said that armed robbers disguised as tricycle and cab drivers target innocent members of the public for attacks.

The spokesperson said that the development prompted the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olatunji Disu, to direct a total crackdown on the syndicate.

She added: “This directive led to the arrest of 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 7pm. 

“We recovered a tricycle and kitchen knife from them.

“Serious efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining fleeing gang members and retrieve their weapon.”

Iringe-Koko further said that law enforcement officers on patrol at Mummy B Road in Port Harcourt intercepted a tricycle with four occupants who escaped upon seeing the police team.

She said: “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.”

Iringe-Koko stated that Gabriel later confessed that they were part of a one-chance syndicate operating in Port Harcourt and surrounding areas.

She mentioned that another one-chance criminal gang from Aba, Abia State, known for robbing passengers in the state and returning to their base in Aba, was also apprehended.

According to her, Emeka Eze, Adaeze Nwamara, Chika Nwangwa had previously robbed a woman with a green Totota Carina with registration number AGL 539 BT.

She added: “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 on 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.”

The police image maker said that the three-member gang was immediately arrested, and they have confessed to the crime.

Iringe-Koko added that another six suspected one chance operators were apprehended between March 8 and July 9 in Obio/Akpor, Etche and Ahoada Local Government Areas respectively.

Items seized from the suspects included two tricycles, two locally made pistols, a locally made rifle, three live cartridges, a dagger, and three mobile phones.

Iringe-Koko advised visitors and residents of the state of the command’s determination to track down unrepentant criminals.