The Yobe State Police Command has successfully dismantled a notorious motorcycle-snatching syndicate and recovered stolen items in the state. The alleged leader of the syndicate was identified as Abubakar Haruna, 30, a resident of Lafiya Lamurde in Adamawa State.
Arrest and Incident Details
The command’s spokesperson, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, disclosed in a statement that on May 17, 2026, at about 4:00 p.m., police operatives attached to the Garin Alkali Division in Bursari Local Council apprehended Haruna, who allegedly specialises in stealing motorcycles at markets and public gathering places. According to the statement, the suspect allegedly snatched a red Boxer motorcycle with registration number MKD 330 QF Benue State from a victim on the outskirts of Garin Alkali along the Gashua–Potiskum Road. Following the incident, sympathisers and members of the public reportedly chased the suspect in an attempt to apprehend him.
Abdulkarim explained that during the pursuit, Haruna allegedly rode the motorcycle recklessly and knocked down a 72-year-old man, Sabo Yahaya, at Garin Goje village in Jakusko Local Council of Yobe State. “As a result of the collision, the victim sustained a fracture on his left leg and was initially rushed to the Specialist Hospital, Gashua, before being referred to the Federal Medical Centre, Nguru, for further medical attention,” he said. He added that the suspect was rescued from an attempted mob attack and is currently undergoing investigation.
Other Arrests: Fraud and Cattle Rustling
In another development, Abdulkarim said that at about 5:50 a.m. on the same day, operatives of the Garin Alkali Police Division, acting on a distress call, arrested Musa Baba, 38, of Jumbam village in Tarmuwa Local Council, who had earlier been placed on a police watch list for allegedly defrauding unsuspecting victims through deceptive means. Investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly carried bundles of cut papers wrapped in polythene bags and disguised them as money to deceive victims in marketplaces. The police spokesperson stated that the suspect had earlier fraudulently obtained N110,000 from a teenager using the same method and was arrested while allegedly attempting to perpetrate another similar act. During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to the crime, while exhibits, including bundles of cut papers arranged to resemble currency notes, were recovered from his possession. He said investigation had commenced with a view to prosecuting the suspect.
Similarly, acting on credible intelligence at about 12:35 p.m., operatives of the Garin Alkali Division apprehended Usman Isa, 28, of Yusufari Local Government Area, who allegedly specialises in cattle rustling. The suspect was arrested in possession of a suspected stolen cow at Garin Alkali Market. According to the police, preliminary investigation is ongoing to identify the rightful owner of the recovered cow and track down other fleeing members of the syndicate.
Police Commitment to Crime Fighting
The Commissioner of Police, Usman Jibrin, reiterated the command’s commitment to fighting crime across the state.
