Yuletide: CP Orders DPOs To Protect Yobe Churches, Schools

Ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivals, the Yobe State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Ado, has directed all DPOs to maximise security deployment at worship centres, schools, recreational facilities, children’s playgrounds, markets, and other crowded public places.

The Command also disclosed that 428 suspects were arrested for various capital offences between January and December 2025.

A statement signed by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Dungus Abdulkarim, disclosed this during the strategic security review convened by the Commissioner of Police with Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Heads of Departments (HODs), and Tactical Commanders.

Among the offences for which the suspects were arrested are kidnapping, armed robbery, rape, and culpable homicide, among other related crimes.

Similarly, the PPRO stressed that 298 suspects were arrested for minor offences such as theft, burglary, cheating, breach of public peace, and other social vices.

He stated that most of the suspects have been arraigned before competent courts, while a few cases remain under investigation and will be charged accordingly.

The Commissioner of Police commended officers and men of the Command for their resilience and dedication in safeguarding lives and property despite prevailing security challenges.

He also urged them to sustain the momentum and reaffirmed the Command’s renewed commitment to combating crime and criminality.

He emphasised that all schools must be provided with adequate security coverage, particularly as academic activities are scheduled to resume on January 15, 2025.

Commissioner of Police disclosed that, in collaboration with other sister security agencies, the Command has designed and activated a comprehensive Operational Order aimed at maintaining law and order, enhancing public safety, and ensuring a peaceful and secure festive period across the state.

The CP further stressed that intelligence gathering remains pivotal, directing officers in charge to intensify proactive policing strategies.

He added that regular patrols and raids of identified criminal hideouts will be intensified to deny criminal elements any operational space within their areas of responsibility.

Ado noted that crime thrives where communities are not actively engaged, underscoring the importance of community policing and sustained collaboration with members of the public to further enhance security.

The CP announced the suspension of all leaves for officers and men of the Command until further notice, directing personnel to remain vigilant in protecting police facilities, arms, and surrounding communities from criminal attacks.

Ado further emphasised the need for robust deployment and prompt response to distress calls. “In line with existing regulations, individuals not entitled to police escorts or guards are advised to exercise patience, as officers attached to such unauthorised duties will be withdrawn.”

He urged members of the public to continue cooperating with their respective DPOs and Area Commanders in the collective fight against crime and promptly report any suspicious activities.

Ado also felicitated with the Christian community in Yobe State, wishing them a peaceful, successful, and hitch-free Christmas celebration, assuring that adequate security measures have been put in place before, during, and after the festive period.