Operators Warn of Harsh Consequences for Tricycle Robbers in Onitsha, Ogbaru

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

Commercial tricycle operators in Onitsha and Ogbaru Local Government Areas of Anambra State have pledged to work with security agencies to locate and arrest criminals who use tricycles to commit robberies and other offenses in the region.

The operators, organized under the Anambra Keke Drivers Forum (AKDF), said the decision was made in recognition of the efforts of Anambra State Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu, who has reportedly removed illegal police checkpoints that were allegedly used to extort commercial tricycle operators.

During a briefing at the forum’s office on Obodoukwu Road in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area, the association’s leaders praised the police commissioner for ordering officers involved in “pole‑to‑pole extortion checkpoints” to leave the roads.

The group, represented by Coordinator Ugochukwu Adiele, Secretary Diribe Achuko, and veteran operator Cyprain Ajaero, said the removal of the checkpoints had positively affected their businesses and daily earnings.

According to the operators, the checkpoints had imposed a financial burden that made it difficult for many to return home each day with enough money to support their families after paying tricycle owners.

“The Commissioner of Police is doing great work in the state. For removing the extortionist policemen who mounted checkpoints on the roads to extort money from keke drivers, we say it is a welcome development,” the group stated.

The operators claimed that before the intervention, the commercial tricycle business had become unprofitable due to constant extortion by security operatives, especially in Onitsha and Ogbaru.

They pledged to assist the police in cleaning up the tricycle transport sector by exposing operators involved in robbery, “one‑chance” crimes, and other criminal activities.

“Henceforth, any keke operator who uses his tricycle to engage in criminal activities, including robbery and one‑chance operations, will be identified and exposed. We will partner with the police to reduce crime associated with keke operations,” the forum said.

The association also urged other security outfits in the state, including the Anambra Vigilante Group, Operation Udo Ga Achi, Agunechemba, Ndi Aka Odo, and SASA, to follow the police commissioner’s example by discouraging extortion and illegal activities.

The operators further appealed to the Commissioner of Police to keep confidential any intelligence supplied by members about criminal elements operating within the tricycle business.

They also praised Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for road construction projects across the state, noting that improved roads had reduced the cost of repairing their tricycles.

“Damages associated with bad roads have reduced significantly because of the governor’s road projects across the state,” they said.

However, the operators raised concerns about the activities of alleged illegal park operators and touts in parts of Onitsha and Ogbaru, accusing them of extorting between N1,000 and more daily from drivers.

They identified areas such as Savoy Junction, Ezeiweka Road, Nkpor Junction, Old and New Market roads, and Enamel Junction as locations where illegal parks allegedly operate.

The group called on SASA Managing Director Monday Nwekoye to clamp down on touts and any officials allegedly aiding illegal collections in the affected areas.

According to the operators, the activities of the illegal park operators often force passengers to trek long distances before boarding tricycles, creating hardship for commuters and drivers alike.

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