The Anambra State Security Network (ASN) has recommended a strategy to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to curb criminal activities involving tricycle and bus operators in the state.
In a meeting held in Awka, the ASN called for an immediate directive to repaint commercial buses and tricycles operating in the state with unique security codes.
This measure, they argued, would help identify vehicles and prevent their use by criminals, especially those engaged in “one-chance” crimes.
Chairman of ASN, Col. Jude Obi (Rtd), expressed concern over the widespread use of unbranded and unregistered vehicles for commercial purposes, which, he said, has aided criminal activities in the state
He said the vehicles are difficult for security personnel to identify, making it easier for criminals to operate undetected.
To combat the increasing number of “one-chance” armed criminals who target unsuspecting passengers, Obi urged the repainting of commercial vehicles and tricycles to feature Anambra’s official colors.
He explained that these criminals tend to operate on weekends and Mondays, taking victims hostage and demanding ransoms for their release.
The criminal activities, according to Obi, are prevalent along major roads like the Onitsha-Awka Expressway, Nkpor-Oye Agu-Afor Igwe, Old Road Nkpor-Umuoji, and Nkpor-Obosi Road, among other locations in the state.