Rivers: Police Restrict Movement Of Tricycles Over Rise In ‘One-Chance’ Robberies, Kidnappings

The Rivers State Police Command has reminded the people of the state of that the existing restriction on the movement of tricycles from 10:00 pm across the state was still in force.

The command 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 the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Agabe Blessing, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday, advised tricycle operators and owners in the state to comply strictly with the directive.

“In line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), NPM, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, the Rivers State Police Command wishes to remind 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 are strongly advised to comply strictly with this directive.

“This 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 will be decisively dealt with in accordance with the law,” Agabe said.

The statement also said the Commissioner of Police has directed that no commercial ‘keke-bus’ should be fitted with tinted glass or covered in any manner capable of concealing the identity of passengers or occupants.

It warned that with effect from May 18, 2026, any commercial ‘keke-bus’ found violating this directive will be impounded, while the operator will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly, adding that the covering, alteration, driving without plate number or concealment of vehicle plate numbers were strictly prohibited.

The statement read in part: “In furtherance to the Command’s proactive crime prevention strategy, CP Adepoju has also directed the implementation of the following security measures which will take effect from 18th May, 2026.

“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.

“The use of unregistered vehicles within the State is prohibited and will no longer be tolerated. Owners and operators of such vehicles are advised to regularize their documentation without delay.

“The Command further emphasizes 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.”