Adamawa Police arrest 72 suspects over various offences, harp on discipline among personnel
From Umar Dankano, Yola
The Adamawa state Police Command has arrested 72 suspects for allegedly committing different offences ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery,theft homicide, and sexual offences,
Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, made this disclosure in Yola on Friday, during the third quarter review of the Command’s activities and interactive session with Heads of Departments (HODs) and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) at the state Police Headquarters.
CP Morris said that, 57 of the offenders have been charged to court, while 15 remain under investigation pledging that his command not rest on its oars in fighting criminal activities in the state.
”The Command also successfully rescued several victims of abduction, including 13 trafficked children recovered through the efforts of ACP Shuaibu Wara, and five more rescued in Mubi by ACP Markus Mancha. In another operation, Gombi Division operatives working with local hunters rescued a kidnapped victim after a gun battle with abductors,” he said.
According to the CP some of the recoveries made within the period included 15 firearms, 111 rounds of live ammunition, seven stolen vehicles, and 25 rustled cattle, all of which are being returned to rightful owners.
Morris also stressed that beyond arrest figures and crime statistics, the focus of his leadership is on reforming police conduct in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the provisions of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020.
He explained that, the Command has resolved to stamp out unprofessional practices, particularly unlawful involvement in civil disputes, human rights violations, and corrupt tendencies among officers.
“Our duties are strictly guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Police Act, 2020. Any deviation from these provisions will attract serious consequences,” he declared.
CP Morris issued a stern warning to officers against meddling in civil matters such as debt recovery, tenancy disputes, contractual disagreements, and family issues, which fall outside the police mandate.He said such actions erode public trust and amount to abuse of office.
On land disputes, the police chief reminded personnel that only civil courts have jurisdiction.
“The unlawful arrest or intimidation of parties in land conflicts is a violation of constitutional rights and will not be tolerated,” he cautioned.
The Commissioner also emphasized the sanctity of fundamental human rights enshrined in the 1999 Constitution. He directed all officers to respect the dignity, liberty, and fair hearing rights of citizens, warning that arbitrary arrests and unlawful detentions constitute gross misconduct.
