By Chidinma Olivia Patrick
The Anambra State Police Command has alerted Ndị Anambra to an emerging pattern of criminal activities involving the use of motorcycles to facilitate robbery and other offences.
According to a release by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, published on the official Facebook page of the Command, the alert became necessary following recent incidents, including the arrest of a motorcycle rider found in possession of a pistol during a stop-and-search operation in Nnewi.
The Command also disclosed a separate incident currently under investigation in Aguleri, where a motorcycle rider was reportedly attacked and dispossessed of his motorcycle and other personal belongings. According to the statement, the Aguleri incident resulted in the unfortunate death of the victim.
“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,” the statement said.
The Command also observed that some motorcycle owners do not properly register their motorcycles or keep adequate ownership documentation. This, it said, could make it more difficult to identify, trace and recover motorcycles when they are stolen or subsequently used in criminal activities.
In view of the development, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has directed all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to intensify sensitisation and community engagement with motorcycle riders’ associations, Presidents-General of communities, vigilante groups and other relevant stakeholders within their respective areas of responsibility.
According to the Command, “The engagements are expected to strengthen community-based intelligence, improve the identification and documentation of motorcycles, enhance information sharing, and facilitate coordinated strategies to prevent criminals from exploiting motorcycles in the commission of robbery and other crimes.”
The Command therefore advised all motorcycle owners and riders to ensure that their motorcycles are properly registered and that relevant ownership documents are readily available.
Residents were also encouraged to promptly report suspicious motorcycle movements, persons or activities to the nearest police station or through established emergency communication channels.
The Commissioner of Police further urged motorcycle riders’ associations, community leaders and other stakeholders to cooperate with the Police by providing credible and timely information that could assist in identifying and disrupting criminal elements operating within their communities.
Ndị Anambra are therefore reminded that security is not one person’s business, but a collective responsibility.
