Rivers’ police renew war against vehicle-based crimes

…Target tricycles, gives tips against ‘one-chance’ operatives

The Rivers State police command led by Olugbenga Adepoju has launched fresh onslaught on vehicle-based crimes.

The police has banned tricycles (Keke Napep) beyond 10pm, just the way ban on motorcycles began in the last years of office of then Gov Peter Odili.

The Police has also raised high suspicion or stopped use of darkened inner sides of buses and cars. Also, the police is looking out for ‘one-chance’ operators.

The CP, said to act under the directive of Olatunji Disu, the Inspector-General of Police, has reminded members of the public that the existing restriction on the movement of tricycles from 10:00 pm remains fully in force across the State. Operators and owners were strongly advised to comply strictly with this directive.

A statement issued by Blessing Agabe, the new Police Public Relations Office (PPRO), said the enforcement takes immediate effect as part of intensified efforts to curb the growing menace of “one-chance” robberies, abductions, and other violent crimes in Rivers State, with a stern warning that any individual or group found involved in such criminal activities would be decisively dealt with.

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In furtherance to the Command’s proactive crime prevention strategy, she said, CP Adepoju has also directed the implementation of some security measures.

She said no commercial keke-bus should be fitted with tinted glass or covered in any manner capable of concealing the identity of passengers or occupants. “Any commercial keke-bus found violating this directive will be impounded, while the operator will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

“The covering, alteration, driving without plate number or concealment of vehicle plate numbers is strictly prohibited. The Commissioner of Police has directed the arrest of offenders without hesitation.”

She further stated that use of unregistered vehicles within the State is prohibited and would no longer be tolerated. “Owners and operators of such vehicles are advised to regularize their documentation without delay.”

The Command further emphasized the importance of collaboration of local security outfits, community stakeholders with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) within their respective jurisdictions to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve coordinated responses and enhance public safety across the State.

Some of the safety tips against ‘one chance’ that members of the public were advised to observe as precautionary measures to avoid falling victim to criminals: “Avoid boarding tricycles, motorcycles, or vehicles from isolated or poorly lit locations, especially at night.

“Be cautious of vehicles carrying suspicious or unusually aggressive occupants. Avoid entering vehicles with covered or heavily tinted interiors where occupants cannot be clearly identified.”

Other tips include: “Share your trip details or destination with trusted relatives or friends whenever possible; refrain from openly displaying cash, mobile phones, jewelry or other valuables while in transit; ensure the vehicle can be opened from outside and inside on entry; and don’t agree to sit in the middle of already seated Passengers.”

Members of the public were advised to discreetly document or photograph/snap the vehicle and its registration number before boarding, and send to a relation to the notice of the occupants. “When you do not feel safe insist on getting off the vehicle immediately.

“In the event of any suspicious movement or emergency, immediately contact the nearest Police Division or the Command’s emergency lines below.”

The police gave out emergency numbers members of the public could contact in the case of an emergency.