The Anambra State Police Command has alerted residents to an emerging pattern of robbery and other crimes involving the use of motorcycles in the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement on October 3, 2026, said the alert follows recent incidents, including the arrest of a motorcycle rider found with a pistol during a stop-and-search operation in Nnewi.
He also cited a separate incident under investigation in Aguleri, where a motorcycle rider was attacked, dispossessed of his motorcycle and belongings, and killed.
“Preliminary observations indicate that criminal elements may be exploiting motorcycles to facilitate their movements and carry out robbery and other criminal activities, particularly against unsuspecting members of the public and fellow motorcycle users,” Ikenga said.
He noted that some motorcycle owners do not properly register their motorcycles or keep ownership documentation, making it difficult to trace and recover stolen motorcycles used for crimes.
Ikenga said the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has directed all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to intensify sensitization and engagement with motorcycle riders’ associations, Presidents-General, vigilante groups and other stakeholders to strengthen community intelligence and prevent criminals from exploiting motorcycles.
The Command advised owners and riders to ensure proper registration and keep ownership documents readily available, and urged residents to promptly report suspicious movements to the nearest police station.
The CP urged stakeholders to cooperate with the police by providing credible and timely information, reiterating that security is a shared responsibility and residents should remain vigilant rather than confronting suspects themselves.