By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has raised the alarm over what it described as an emerging pattern of robbery and other criminal activities involving the use of motorcycles, following recent incidents recorded in different parts of the state.
The Command, in a statement issued on Saturday by its Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said its concern followed (among other incidents) the recent arrest of a motorcycle rider found with a pistol during a stop-and-search operation in Nnewi.
The Police also cited a separate incident in Aguleri, where a motorcycle rider was attacked and reportedly dispossessed of his motorcycle and other belongings, an encounter which resulted in the death of the victim.
According to the Command, preliminary observations suggested that criminal elements could be taking advantage of motorcycles to move around easily and target unsuspecting members of the public, including fellow motorcycle riders.
The Police said the development had become more concerning because some motorcycle owners do not have proper registration or adequate documents establishing ownership of their motorcycles.
It noted that such gaps could make it difficult for security agencies to trace motorcycles after they are stolen, recover them from criminal networks or establish their ownership when the motorcycles are later found in connection with criminal activities.
Against this backdrop, the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has directed Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers across the state to intensify engagement with motorcycle riders’ associations, community leaders, vigilante groups and other relevant stakeholders.
The Command said the engagements would focus on improving the documentation and identification of motorcycles, strengthening information sharing and building community-based intelligence that could help security agencies detect and disrupt criminal activities.
The Police consequently advised motorcycle owners and riders to ensure that their motorcycles were properly registered and that relevant ownership documents were kept safely and made available when required.
Residents were equally urged to pay attention to suspicious movements involving motorcycles and promptly report such activities, persons or movements to the nearest police station or through established emergency channels.
CP Ama called on motorcycle riders’ associations, traditional and community leaders and other stakeholders to work closely with the Police by providing credible and timely information that could assist in identifying criminal elements and preventing further attacks.
The Command, while reminding residents that security is a shared responsibility, cautioned members of the public against confronting suspected criminals themselves, urging them instead to alert the Police and allow security personnel to handle such situations.
