The Yobe State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapping kingpin and two men for allegedly raping minors aged seven and eight. The command's spokesperson, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, disclosed this in a statement on July 19, 2026.
Arrest of Kidnapping Kingpin
Operatives attached to the Potiskum Area Command arrested Saidu Mohammed, 40, of Jalam Village, Bauchi State, on July 15, 2026. Mohammed is a suspected kidnapping kingpin and armed robbery suspect who had been on the command's watchlist.
According to the statement, the arrest followed a complaint received on July 11, 2026, from a victim who reported receiving a threatening telephone call on July 10, 2026, at about 9:51 p.m. from phone number 09079401479. The caller demanded N10,000,000 and ordered the victim to relocate or risk being killed.
Upon receipt of the complaint, detectives launched a technically driven, intelligence-led investigation, leading to the swift arrest of the suspect. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly operated across Bauchi, Yobe, and Gombe States. Further investigation is ongoing to arrest other members of the criminal syndicate and bring them to justice.
Arrest of Rape Suspects
In a separate operation, operatives attached to the Garin Alkali Division in Bursari Local Government Area arrested Habu Haruna, 24, on July 18, 2026, at about 2:00 p.m. Haruna, of Rainikunu Garu Dole Village, Bursari LGA, allegedly lured and raped a seven-year-old girl in a nearby bush.
The victim was immediately rushed to a medical facility for examination, treatment, and necessary psychosocial support. Investigation continues.
Similarly, on July 19, 2026, at about 4:00 p.m., detectives attached to the Bara Divisional Police Headquarters arrested Mohammed Yau, 65, of Kojole Village, for allegedly raping an eight-year-old girl inside an uncompleted building. Both the victim and the suspect have been taken to a medical facility for forensic and clinical examination to aid investigation and possible prosecution.
Police Condemn Acts
The Commissioner of Police, CP Usman Kanfani Jibrin, psc, mspsp, strongly condemned the acts of rape, particularly those involving children, describing them as cruel, inhumane, and unacceptable. He directed that comprehensive investigations be concluded without delay and assured the public that anyone found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He reiterated the command's unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state and urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the police.
