The Police Command in Rivers State has reaffirmed restrictions on the movement of commercial tricycles between 10:00 p.m. and early morning hours as part of efforts to curb rising “one-chance” criminal activities across the state.
The directive, which remained in force, is aimed at tackling abductions, armed robbery and other violent crimes reportedly carried out using tricycles as cover for criminal operations.
Spokesperson of the command, Blessing Agabe, disclosed this on Sunday in Port Harcourt, saying the police remained committed to improving public safety and reducing street-level crime.
She explained that the restriction was issued by the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, as part of broader security measures to address the growing threat of “one-chance” syndicates in the state.
“Residents are reminded that the existing restrictions on the movement of tricycles from 10:00 p.m. remains fully in force across the state,” Agabe said.
She warned that tricycle operators and owners must comply strictly with the directive, adding that defaulters would be arrested and prosecuted according to the law.
Agabe also announced additional security regulations set to take effect from May 18, aimed at tightening monitoring of commercial tricycles in Rivers State.
According to her, commercial tricycles will no longer be allowed to operate with tinted glass or any form of covering that conceals passengers or obstructs visibility.
“Any commercial tricycle found violating this directive will be impounded, while the operator will be arrested and prosecuted,” she stated.
She further disclosed that covering or tampering with vehicle number plates, as well as operating unregistered tricycles, had been banned outright.
Vehicle owners, she said, are expected to regularise their documentation immediately, warning that offenders would be arrested without hesitation.
The police spokesperson called for stronger cooperation between residents, community leaders, local security groups and Divisional Police Officers to improve intelligence gathering and enhance public safety.
Agabe also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and adopt safety precautions to avoid falling victim to “one-chance” criminals operating within the state.
She advised commuters to avoid boarding vehicles from isolated or poorly lit areas, especially at night, and to be cautious of suspicious behaviour from drivers or passengers.
“Commuters are also expected to avoid vehicles with tinted or covered interiors, share travel details with trusted persons, and refrain from displaying valuables while on transit,” she said.
She added that passengers should ensure they can exit vehicles easily and avoid sitting between unknown occupants during transit.
Agabe further encouraged residents to take note of vehicle details before boarding and report suspicious movements to the nearest police station.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Rivers State, stressing that public cooperation remained critical to achieving lasting security improvements.
