The Gombe State Police Command has arrested five suspects linked to armed robbery, fraud, and other criminal activities, and has also recovered a stolen vehicle.
During a Friday parade of suspects, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, stated that operatives apprehended Abdullahi Mohammed, 32, from Liji Quarters, Yamaltu/Deba LGA.
He is alleged to have recruited young boys, provided them with counterfeit vigilante ID cards and uniforms, and deployed them to commit robberies against unsuspecting residents.
Advertisement
READ MORE: Ogun Govt Seals Five Chinese Firms After Workers Assault Law Enforcement Officials
Additionally, two of his alleged recruits, 18-year-olds Alkasim Mohammed, nicknamed “Babanta,” and Faruk Umar, were arrested.
Recovered from the suspect’s shop were four mobile phones, six vigilante ID cards, four ATM cards, a police T-shirt, two police belts, a power bank, handcuffs, knives, multiple passports, and a motorcycle license plate.
DSP 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 identity to perpetrate robbery and other criminal activities.”
He advised residents to stay alert and promptly report any suspicious activities in their neighborhoods.
In a separate incident, the Command apprehended Lukman Auwal, from City Store, Bauchi State, in connection with an armed robbery that occurred in Kashere, Akko LGA.
On September 12, 2025, the suspect, together with accomplices Al’amin Bala, Abba Mohammed, and Aliyu Manto (with others still at large), reportedly attacked a residence in Jauro Bose Quarters, Kashere, wielding cutlasses and knives.
They allegedly forced their way through doors, attacked the occupants, and stole seven mobile phones worth ₦729,000, four power banks valued at ₦75,000, and ₦90,000 in cash.
Abdullahi revealed that the suspect was apprehended with a knife, which was recovered as evidence.
“The arrested suspect has confessed to the crime, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang,” he said.
The Police Command successfully retrieved a light gold, new-model Toyota Sienna that had been reported stolen from the Gombe Old Market on August 5, 2025.
The first suspect, Ibrahim Zubairu, also known as Dan Makka, from Tudun Wada, Pantami Quarters, Gombe, was apprehended in Bauchi State, with the stolen vehicle and counterfeit keys found in his possession.
DSP Abdullahi explained, “During interrogation, the suspect mentioned the names of his syndicate members, who are currently at large. Our operatives are intensifying efforts to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.”
The Police Command reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding lives and property, stating “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.”
