The Adamawa State Police Command has recorded another major breakthrough in its fight against organised crime, following the arrest of a seven-man syndicate involved in the theft and illegal trade of tricycles and motorcycles in Yola metropolis.

The operation, which was intelligence-led and executed by operatives from the State Intelligence Department (SID), led to the recovery of two stolen tricycles and one motorcycle.

According to the command, the clampdown began on 24 June 2025 when police apprehended 25-year-old Mohammed Alhaji of Hulere Ward, Yola North Local Government Area, after acting on credible intelligence. During interrogation, Mohammed reportedly confessed to being a key member of a syndicate specialising in vehicle theft.

He also implicated one Jafar Babangida, 19, from the same Hulere Ward, as the person who stole two TVS tricycles (commonly known as Keke-Napep) from different locations across Yola. The duo then sold the tricycles to Ziyau Garba, 38, of Sangere, and Bawuro Ibrahim, 37, of Vinikilang. The tricycles eventually ended up in the possession of Sahabi Mohammed, 35, also of Vinikilang Ward in Girei LGA.

Further investigations revealed that Jafar had also stolen a Jincheng motorcycle, which he dismantled before conspiring with Lukman Usman, a 15-year-old accomplice, to sell the parts. The parts were reportedly purchased by one Auwal Musa, 30, of Nyakore Ward, Yola North LGA.

All seven suspects linked to the theft and resale network have been arrested and have reportedly confessed to their roles in the criminal operation. Police say investigations are still ongoing, with the possibility of more arrests and further recoveries.

Commending the swift efforts of the officers involved, Commissioner of Police CP Dankombo Morris urged residents of the state to continue assisting law enforcement agencies with timely and useful information to help rid communities of criminal elements.

Police Public Relations Officer SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje confirmed the arrests and reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring public safety across Adamawa.

The arrests come as part of a broader security crackdown across northern Nigeria, where local police commands have intensified efforts against growing urban crime.