The Yobe State Police Command has arrested seven persons suspected of burglary, vandalism and theft within Damaturu, the state capital.
A statement by the police public relations officer (PPRO), SP Dungus Abdulkarim, said that an intelligence report led to the arrest of seven members of the gang.
He said, following the recent increase in the theft of hand trucks, household items (including cooking pots), and other valuables within Nayinawa, Pawari and Pompomari wards of Damaturu, operatives of ‘A’ Division Police Station, in collaboration with the Vigilante Group, successfully smashed a criminal burglary and vandalism syndicate.
“The suspects are Abubakar Ibrahim, 18yrs, Alhajeri, Aliyu Mohammed Haruna, 20yrs, Alhajeri, Ibrahim Haruna, 21yrs, Forestry/Ajari, Abdul Ibrahim, 18yrs, Forestry/Ajari, Nafiu Ali, 18yrs, Hausari, Always Arma Ya’u, 24yrs, Hausari and Abubakar Mohammed, 19yrs, Forestry/Ajari.”
The suspects also “confessed to the crimes and admitted stealing: Four (4) hand trucks, One (1) 2.5HP water pump, One (1) grinding machine set, One (1) bicycle (“Sharon”) and Five (5) pieces of cooking pots.”
“They further revealed that they destroyed stolen items into pieces and used loud MP3 music to divert the attention of the community while carrying out their activities,” the statement read.
A number of the stolen items were recovered by detectives and have been marked as exhibits. According to the statement investigation is ongoing, and efforts are intensified to recover all remaining stolen property and apprehend any fleeing accomplices.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Ado, commended the officers for the successful operations carried during the period under review and charged them to remain vigilant, embrace intelligence-led policing, and continue leveraging modern techniques to stay ahead of criminal elements.
He also urged residents to sustain their unwavering cooperation with the police by promptly reporting suspicious persons or activities.
