The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested two suspected gang members in connection with separate armed robbery incidents in Yola North Local Government Area. This was disclosed in a statement issued by the command's spokesperson, SP Suleiman Nguroje, on Monday.
First Arrest: Idris Auwal
On June 3, 2026, operatives attached to the Doubeli Divisional Police Headquarters apprehended Idris Auwal, 22, a resident of Doubeli Culvert, Yola North. According to the police, the suspect conspired with three other accomplices to break into a shop located at Nassarawo Borehole, which belongs to Abdullahi Sanusi. The gang allegedly stole a bag containing cash, important documents, and assorted shop provisions valued at an undisclosed amount. Through diligent investigation, Idris Auwal was captured, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing accomplices.
Second Arrest: Shilla Gang Member
In a similar incident on June 5, 2026, operatives of the Doubeli Division arrested another suspected Shilla gang member who specializes in attacking and robbing innocent citizens. The suspect reportedly approached Abubakar Abdullahi along Doubeli Bypass, armed with a cutlass, and robbed him of an Itel mobile phone and N19,000 cash. He also inflicted injuries on the victim's head. Fortunately, police operatives swiftly responded to the scene, arrested the suspect, and ensured the victim received immediate medical attention. Items recovered from the suspects include a cutlass, a knife, and the stolen phone.
Investigation and Public Appeal
Nguroje noted that the suspects are currently under investigation, while efforts are being intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal gang. The command further assured residents of its commitment to combating Shilla gang activities and other forms of criminality in the state. It also urged members of the public to report suspicious movements and activities to the police to enhance public safety.
Rescue of Abducted Child in Borno
Meanwhile, the Borno State Police Command has rescued an abducted six-year-old boy in Maiduguri and arrested the suspect allegedly responsible for the crime. The incident occurred on Sunday in the Mafoni community of Maiduguri metropolis. The command's spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, stated that on June 7, 2026, at about 2:00 p.m., the command received a report regarding a missing child, Alkali Musa, a six-year-old boy from the Mafoni area, who had gone out to play on June 6, 2026, but failed to return home. Preliminary investigation revealed that shortly after the child's disappearance, the suspect contacted the parents and demanded a ransom of N200,000 for his release.
Upon receipt of the complaint, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Lamisula Division promptly mobilized a team of detectives and commenced an intelligence-led operation. The efforts yielded positive results as the suspect, Ali Alhaji Ali, was apprehended and the victim rescued unharmed. The suspect has confessed to the crime, and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation and possible prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police, Borno State Command, Naziru Abdulmajid, commended the swift response of the officers involved in the operation. He reassured residents of the command's unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state. The command also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and closely monitor their children, while encouraging members of the public to promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station.
