The Yobe State Police Command has apprehended eight suspects in connection with alleged drug-related offences and recovered several weapons during operations across the state. The arrests followed a sustained aggressive crime prevention and control strategy involving intensified patrols, raids on criminal hideouts and black spots, stop-and-search operations, and intelligence-led policing.
Violent Crime Response Unit Breakthrough
According to the Command's Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, the newly commissioned Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), barely two weeks after its inauguration, commenced round-the-clock operations and recorded a significant breakthrough with the arrest of eight suspected drug peddlers and violent crime suspects. He stated: “On 9th June 2026, at about 1800 hours, operatives of the VCRU, acting on credible intelligence, conducted a coordinated raid at the notorious New Marte Ghetto in Damaturu.”
Suspects and Recovered Items
The operation led to the arrest of Usman Hassan, alias Bapani, 20, found in possession of a large quantity of suspected Indian hemp and Yobe State University students' script papers. Bukar Sale, alias Benzima, 18, was also found with suspected Indian hemp, a sharp cutlass, and other illicit substances. The six other suspects include Adamu, 18; Hassan Abdullahi, 20; Ibrahim Ibrahim, alias Bomboy, 20; Usman Sale, alias Ado Gonja, 21; Mohammed Salisu, alias RP Damboa, 25; and Bako Mohammed, alias Balande, 18. All suspects are residents of Pompomari Sabon Kwalta, Damaturu.
Exhibits recovered during the operation include suspected Indian hemp, other harmful substances, a sharp cutlass, a knife, and other items believed to be connected to criminal activities. Investigation is ongoing to determine the extent of the suspects’ involvement in criminal acts within the metropolis and to identify possible accomplices. The suspects will be prosecuted upon conclusion of the investigation.
Police Commissioner's Warning
The Commissioner of Police, Usman Kanfani Jibrin, reiterated the command’s zero-tolerance stance against violent crimes, drug abuse, thuggery, hooliganism, and other forms of criminality. The CP further warned youths against engaging in criminal activities, carrying dangerous weapons, and abusing illicit substances, emphasizing that such acts threaten public safety and undermine societal development. He urged parents, community leaders, and other stakeholders to support the Police and other security agencies in mentoring young people and reporting suspicious activities promptly.
