The Gombe State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on traffic violators and criminal activity involving motorcycles and tricycles, leading to the impoundment of 327 motorcycles and tricycles across the state for a range of infractions.
DSP Buhari Abdullahi, Police Public Relations Officer who disclosed this to our correspondent noted that their offences include unauthorised modifications, unsafe night operations, and links to criminal activities.
According to Abdullahi, 69 tricycles were impounded for operating with unauthorized extra drivers, driving at night without cabin lights, and covering windows with curtains — practices that police say are increasingly used to aid criminal concealment.
“Some of these tricycles have been linked to robberies and drug transportation. The operation is not just about traffic violations. It’s a comprehensive effort to restore safety and order, reduce criminality, and eliminate dangerous practices that endanger the lives of Gombe residents,” he said
Additionally, 38 motorcycles were seized for using truck horns, which authorities said cause excessive noise and increase accident risks. Investigations are ongoing. Furthermore, 220 motorcycles were confiscated for violating nighttime curfew, which restricts motorcycle operations in Gombe between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. to curb night-time crimes.
“This regulation is in place for a reason. We urge all commercial riders to strictly adhere. Owners of impounded vehicles have been directed to report to the State Command with proper documentation and to install functional cabin lights where required,” he added.
The operation also included the mopping up of dangerous weapons across the state, resulting in the recovery of 514 knives, 148 cutlasses, 3 draggers, and 10 dagger sheaths. The Command noted that the public wielding of such weapons has now been reduced to the “barest minimum” thanks to intensified enforcement efforts.
In a separate operation, police arrested one Muhammad Ibrahim, 26, of Angwan Dakum via Dadin-Kowa, allegedly caught with large quantities of narcotic substances. The suspect was found with 136 capsules of Tramadol, 568 tablets of Valium-5, 226 wraps of India hemp, six bottles of local intoxicants (“Kurkura”), two liters of “suck and die” (a poisonous liquid intoxicant), ₦207,845 in cash proceeds, and 102 packs of assorted cigarettes.
DSP Abdullahi described the arrest as “a significant breakthrough in our fight against drug abuse and illicit distribution.” The Command also confirmed the arrest of three suspects involved in altering IMEI numbers of stolen phones — a tactic often used to evade tracking by law enforcement and mobile service providers.
“We are closing in on those who make a business out of helping criminals conceal stolen devices. Anyone caught tampering with phone identification numbers will face the full weight of the law,” Abdullahi warned.
The Police reiterated their call for cooperation from commercial riders and the general public in adhering to safety regulations. “Our goal is not to punish, but to protect,” said DSP Abdullahi. “We are urging all commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators to comply with existing laws for the safety of all.”
