Motorcycle Mafia Falls! Police Nab Syndicate Terrorizing Adamawa Roads

The Adamawa Police Command has recorded a major success in its anti-crime efforts by capturing a seven-man group accused of stealing and trafficking tricycles and motorcycles in Yola metropolis.

An intelligence-led operation by operatives of the State Intelligence Department (SID) has led to the recovery of two stolen tricycles and a motorcycle.

The operation, according to the police command, commenced on June 24, 2025, following the arrest of 25-year-old Mohammed Alhaji of Hulere Ward in Yola North Local Government Area. Acting on credible intelligence, officers apprehended Mohammed, who, during interrogation, reportedly confessed to being a key player in a vehicle theft syndicate.

He further identified 19-year-old Jafar Babangida, also from Hulere Ward, as the individual responsible for stealing two TVS tricycles (popularly known as Keke-Napep) from different locations within Yola. The stolen tricycles were allegedly sold to Ziyau Garba, 38, of Sangere, and Bawuro Ibrahim, 37, of Vinikilang. The tricycles were later traced to the possession of 35-year-old Sahabi Mohammed of Vinikilang Ward in Girei LGA.

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

All seven individuals linked to the theft and resale network have been arrested and have reportedly confessed to their respective roles. The police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with the possibility of additional arrests and recoveries.

Commending the swift response of the officers involved, Commissioner of Police CP Dankombo Morris urged members of the public to continue partnering with security agencies by sharing timely and actionable information to help rid communities of criminal elements.

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

These arrests form part of a broader security crackdown across northern Nigeria, as local police commands step up efforts to address the rise in urban crime.