The Anambra State Police Command has uncovered an alleged “tricycle trap” used by a suspected armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate to lure unsuspecting victims, following the arrest of a 25-year-old suspect and the recovery of three firearms.
The development was disclosed on Friday, August 28, 2026, by SP Ikenga Tochukwu, Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, who said operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, arrested the suspect, Emmanuel Chekwube Mark, during an intelligence-led operation in the early hours of Thursday, August 27.
According to the police, the operation also led to the recovery of one locally fabricated pistol, two pump-action guns and a military-pattern face cap.
Preliminary investigation and interrogation, the Command said, indicated that Mark was allegedly a member of a four-man armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate operating around the Ifite Awka axis.
The suspect allegedly disclosed that he and other members of the gang, who are currently at large, conspired to kidnap unsuspecting members of the public within the area.
How the ‘Tricycle Trap’ Worked
The police said Mark allegedly revealed that the gang used a tricycle to create a seemingly ordinary confrontation with their intended victims.
According to his alleged account, the gang would use the tricycle to block a victim before accusing the person of scratching or damaging the vehicle.
The resulting argument would then allegedly provide an opportunity for the gang members to overpower the victim at gunpoint and force the person into their vehicle.
The victim would subsequently allegedly be taken to the gang’s hideout at Umoji, Ebenebe, where the victim would be tortured and dispossessed of valuables, the police said.
The suspect also allegedly confessed to participating in the kidnapping of a victim on July 22, 2026.
According to the police, the victim was allegedly robbed of valuables and subsequently killed, with the remains abandoned in a bush.
Police Hunt Fleeing Suspects
Following the arrest, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, psc, mnips, ordered a comprehensive investigation into the case.
The Commissioner also directed operatives to intensify efforts to apprehend the fleeing accomplices and other suspected members of the syndicate.
The Command said it would continue to sustain intelligence-led and proactive operations aimed at preventing and dismantling armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent criminal activities across Anambra State.
The police further urged residents to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in tracking down criminal elements and preventing further attacks.
The suspect remains in police custody as investigation continues.
