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From David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
The Anambra State Police Command has raised the alarm over an emerging pattern of criminal activities involving motorcycles, warning that criminals may be exploiting the vehicles to facilitate robbery and other offences across the state.
The Command’s warning followed recent incidents, including the arrest of a motorcycle rider found in possession of a pistol during a stop-and-search operation in Nnewi.
The Police also disclosed that an unrelated incident under investigation in Aguleri involved the attack and killing of a motorcycle rider, who was allegedly dispossessed of his motorcycle and other personal belongings.
According to the Command, 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 Command also expressed concern that some motorcycle owners do not properly register their motorcycles or maintain adequate ownership documentation, making it difficult to identify, trace and recover motorcycles when stolen or subsequently used in criminal activities.
Consequently, 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.
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 Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in the statement, advised all motorcycle owners and riders to ensure that their motorcycles are properly registered and that relevant ownership documents are readily available.
Ikenga also urged residents to promptly report suspicious motorcycle movements, persons or activities to the nearest police station or through established emergency communication channels.
The Commissioner further called on 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.
The Command reiterated that security is a shared responsibility and urged Ndi Anambra to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the Police rather than confronting suspected criminals themselves.
His position adds to the broader public conversation about the future of national youth service in Nigeria, particularly around the balance between national integration, corps members’ welfare and security, public expenditure, skills development and the changing needs of young Nigerians.
