From Auwal Salim, Damaturu
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a four-man criminal syndicate allegedly involved in fraud, impersonation, and abduction, as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen intelligence-led policing in the state.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim.
According to the statement, the operation also led to the rescue of an abducted victim and the recovery of a Toyota Prado SUV used in the commission of the crime.
Operatives of the Potiskum Divisional Police Headquarters, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a suspicious Toyota Prado SUV on February 16, 2026, around 10:30 p.m., after observing unusual movement within Potiskum metropolis. Their swift action resulted in the rescue of one Abdulhamid Garba, 35, of Nayi-Nawa area, Damaturu.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim had been abducted in Damaturu by the suspects, who posed as security operatives. They reportedly accused him of financial misconduct as a ploy to intimidate and extort him before attempting to transport him toward Potiskum in the hired vehicle.
The arrested suspects were identified as Mohammed Usman (32), the alleged mastermind, alongside his accomplices — Kabiru Ibrahim Umar (42), Idriss Abdullahi Zakaria (27), and Matthew Obata (21). They allegedly specialized in defrauding unsuspecting members of the public, especially traders, by disguising as security personnel. All suspects claimed to be staff of Transworld Private Security Guard.
Further investigation revealed that the gang hired the Toyota Prado SUV from Giwa Company at a cost of ₦400,000 for the operation. The vehicle, bearing registration number ABJ 295 NB, was concealed to avoid detection. The suspects reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦10 million from the victim’s relatives.
Acting on intelligence, detectives tracked and arrested the suspects at A.U. Kaifayi Filling Station, Potiskum LGA, along the Potiskum–Kano Road. The victim was rescued unharmed and taken to the Yobe State Specialist Hospital, Potiskum, for medical examination.
According to the police, the suspects have confessed to the crime and remain in custody as investigations continue ahead of prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Ado, psc, fdc, commended the professionalism and prompt response of the officers involved. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Yobe State and urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information to aid security efforts.