Police operatives in Bauchi State have apprehended eight suspects involved in criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, and aiding and abetting criminal activities.
Among those arrested were four teenagers aged 17: Musa Umar, Ibrahim Mohammed, Bilal Musa, and Idriss Jibrin, as well as a 40-year-old woman, Maryam Salisu.
The arrests were confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Bauchi State Police Command, SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, in a statement issued on Tuesday.
He disclosed that detectives from the Yelwa Divisional Police Headquarters also arrested Adamu Mohammed, a 22-year-old resident of the GRA area in Bauchi, who was caught in possession of an armoured cable believed to have been stolen from his place of employment.
“On November 17, 2024, acting on credible intelligence, officers from Yelwa Division, led by the DPO, apprehended six individuals suspected of involvement in armed robbery and criminal conspiracy.
During interrogation, Adamu Mohammed confessed to stealing the armoured cable from his workplace, where he served as a security guard. The investigation is ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon its conclusion,” SP Wakil revealed.
Recovered items included two laptops, four mobile phones, three chargers, two flashlights, three bottles of palm oil, a headphone set, a power bank, and an MP3 player. The police are continuing their investigations into the activities of the suspects.
Ex-Convict Re-Arrested for Robbery
In another development, the police re-arrested an ex-convict, Jaafar Lawan, 34, for committing another robbery following his earlier conviction. SP Wakil recalled that Jaafar was previously arrested on July 27, 2023, for criminal conspiracy and armed robbery.
At the time, he had disguised as a passenger, boarded a commercial motorcycle, and attacked the rider, striking him with a spanner and leaving him unconscious. Jaafar was charged and convicted but was released before committing another crime.
Providing details of the recent incident, SP Wakil said, “On November 17, 2024, detectives from the Dutsen Tanshi Divisional Police Headquarters initiated an investigation following a complaint.
The victim reported that the suspect stopped him, pretending to request a ride to the Gidan Kaji area. While en route, Jaafar asked the rider to pull over. The victim later lost consciousness, allegedly due to a suspected powder applied to him. He regained consciousness three days later in a hospital.”
Commissioner Orders Heightened Security
The Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, CP Auwal Musa Muhammad, has ordered the implementation of enhanced security measures across the state to ensure a safe and peaceful festive period for residents.
“The Bauchi Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to combating crime and protecting lives and property,” SP Wakil assured.
Investigations into all cases are ongoing, and the suspects will face prosecution once inquiries are concluded.
