Bauchi Police Apprehend Notorious Armed Robber 'World Boy' Following Series of Violent Attacks
The Bauchi State Police Command has successfully arrested a notorious thug and armed robber, Yakubu Mohammed Auwal, widely known as "World Boy," in connection with a series of violent robberies that have terrorized residents in Bauchi metropolis. This significant breakthrough was disclosed by the command's spokesperson, DSP Nafiu Habib, in an official statement released on March 12, 2026.
Details of the Arrest and Criminal Activities
According to DSP Habib, operatives from the 'C' Divisional Police Headquarters apprehended the 22-year-old suspect on March 8, 2026, after swiftly responding to a distress call. The arrest occurred while "World Boy" was in the act of robbing a resident, identified as Shamsuddeen from Anguwan Sarakuna. During this incident, the suspect stabbed Shamsuddeen in the lap before stealing his Tecno POP 5 phone, valued at approximately N20,000.
Police investigations have further linked Auwal to another violent attack on March 7, 2026, where he, along with an accomplice known as Bala Mohammed alias "Balagus," attacked a woman named Ijeoma Neonye. Armed with knives, the pair stabbed Neonye and made away with her Infinix Smart 7 Plus phone (worth N120,000), N280,000 in cash, a Rolex chain wristwatch (valued at N35,000), and other valuable items.
In a separate incident on February 22, 2026, "World Boy" and another accomplice named Amir, who remains at large, attacked Usama Abdullahi. They stabbed Abdullahi on the left shoulder and stole his Tecno POP 5 phone, estimated to be worth N70,000. While Bala "Balagus" has been arrested, Amir is still evading capture.
Background and Previous Convictions
Prior to these recent offences, "World Boy" was infamous for his involvement in Sara-Suka thuggery, a form of violent gang activity, in areas such as Magaji Quarters, Anguwan Sarakuna, and Rafin Makaranta. His criminal record includes multiple violent clashes that have disrupted community peace.
Notably, Auwal was previously arrested, prosecuted, and convicted in 2024 without the option of a fine. However, he later reappeared in the community and resumed his criminal activities, demonstrating a pattern of recidivism that has alarmed local authorities.
Recovered Exhibits and Additional Case
Following his arrest, police recovered several exhibits, including two sharp knives, one pair of scissors, and the Tecno POP 5 phone belonging to the first victim, Shamsuddeen. These items are expected to serve as crucial evidence in ongoing investigations and potential prosecutions.
In a related development, the police statement also highlighted a separate report filed on March 8, 2026, by Magdalene Pius, a 24-year-old resident of Gwallameji. She reported that on March 7, 2026, Usama Salihu, a 21-year-old from the same address, threatened her with a knife and robbed her of an Infinix Smart 9 phone (worth N125,000) and an Itel keypad phone (valued at N15,000). Detectives have since arrested Salihu and recovered the Infinix Smart 9 as an exhibit. This case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discrete investigation.
Police Assurance to Residents
Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu, mni, psc(+), has assured residents that the Bauchi State Police Command remains committed to strengthening security across the state. He emphasized the command's dedication to apprehending criminals and ensuring the safety of all citizens, urging the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities.
The arrest of "World Boy" marks a significant step in the police's efforts to combat violent crime in Bauchi, highlighting their proactive response to distress calls and thorough investigative work. As the cases proceed, authorities are focused on bringing all perpetrators to justice and restoring peace in affected communities.
