From Auwal Salim, Damaturu
The Commissioner of Police, Yobe State Command, CP Usman Kanfani Jibrin, on Thursday addressed journalists at the Command Headquarters, Damaturu, where he highlighted the Command’s operational achievements and ongoing efforts to combat crime across the State.
During the briefing, the Commissioner disclosed that the Command recorded 407 criminal cases during the period under review, comprising 31 murder cases, 35 rape cases, 8 kidnapping cases, 11 armed robbery cases, and 322 other offences. A total of 448 suspects were arrested for various offences.
The Commissioner further revealed that through diligent investigation and prosecution, the Command secured 152 convictions, while 127 cases are currently before competent courts, 69 cases remain pending, 17 case files are awaiting legal advice, and 42 cases resulted in acquittal.
Highlighting some of the Command’s major operational breakthroughs, disclosed that police operatives successfully uncovered a suspected drug warehouse in Potiskum, arrested a suspected drug baron, and recovered eight cartons of assorted illicit drugs, one and a half Ghana-Must-Go bags containing Tramadol and Exzol tablets, as well as ₦835,500 suspected to be proceeds of illicit drug trafficking. He noted that despite violent resistance from members of the criminal syndicate, police operatives successfully repelled the attack and are intensifying efforts to apprehend fleeing accomplices.
The Commissioner also announced the arrest of a suspected kidnapping kingpin and armed robbery suspect who had been on the Command’s watchlist for allegedly threatening victims and demanding huge ransom payments. The suspect is believed to have operated across Yobe, Bauchi, and Gombe States, while investigation continues to arrest other members of the criminal network.
Similarly, the Command carried out coordinated raids on identified criminal hideouts and drug joints in Jakusko Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of 14 suspected drug dealers and users and the recovery of over 300 sachets and packages of illicit drugs, including Tramadol, Indian hemp, Vega tablets, and other prohibited substances.
In another major breakthrough, the Command dismantled a fraud syndicate involved in obtaining goods through fake bank transfer alerts. The operation resulted in the arrest of five suspects and the recovery of suspected counterfeit foreign currencies and other incriminating exhibits.
The Commissioner further highlighted the arrest of suspected vandals involved in the theft of power cables and transformer components, as well as the arrest of suspects linked to kidnapping threats, child rape cases, and culpable homicide investigations. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ensuring that all suspects are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc, NPM, the Executive Governor of Yobe State, His Excellency Hon. Mai Mala Buni, CON, COMN, sister security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, vigilante groups, the media, and the good people of Yobe State for their continued support and cooperation.
The Commissioner reiterated that the Command remains committed to intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property. He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the Police to enhance security across the State.
At the end of the briefing, the Command presented some of the arrested suspects and recovered exhibits to journalists.