The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Buhari Abdullahi, said operatives arrested one Abdullahi Mohammed, 32, of Liji Quarters, Yamaltu/Deba LGA, who allegedly specialised in recruiting young boys, equipping them with fake vigilante identity cards and uniforms, and sending them to rob unsuspecting residents.

Two of his alleged recruits, identified as Alkasim Mohammed a.k.a. “Babanta” (18) and Faruk Umar (18), were also arrested.

Items recovered from the suspect’s shop included four mobile phones, six vigilante ID cards, four ATM cards, a police T-shirt, two police belts, a power bank, handcuffs, knives, passports belonging to different persons, and a motorcycle plate number.

Abdullahi said, “The suspects confessed to the crime. Our investigation revealed that Abdullahi Mohammed has been recruiting young boys and arming them with fake vigilante identities to perpetrate robbery and other criminal activities.”

He urged residents to be vigilant and report suspicious movements in their communities.

In another development, the Command arrested one Lukman Auwal, of City Store, Bauchi State, in connection with an armed robbery incident in Kashere, Akko LGA.

The suspect, alongside accomplices identified as Al’amin Bala, Abba Mohammed, and Aliyu Manto (others still at large), allegedly stormed a residence at Jauro Bose Quarters, Kashere, armed with cutlasses and knives.

They reportedly broke doors, assaulted occupants, and carted away seven mobile phones valued at ₦729,000, four power banks valued at ₦75,000, and ₦90,000 cash

Abdullahi disclosed that the suspect was arrested with a knife recovered as exhibit. “The arrested suspect has confessed to the crime, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang,” he said.

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The Police Command also recovered a stolen Toyota Sienna (new model, light gold in color) after it was reported missing from the Gombe Old Market area.

The first suspect, Ibrahim Zubairu alias Dan Makka, of Tudun Wada, Pantami Quarters, Gombe, was arrested in Bauchi State. The stolen vehicle and fabricated keys were recovered in his possession.

The Police Command reiterated its commitment to the protection of lives and property, saying “We assure members of the public of our unwavering dedication to ensuring safety across the state. We call on residents to continue providing useful information that will aid the police in crime prevention and control.”

Source: Punch