The Yobe State Police Command has arrested 240 suspects in connection with various offences, including murder, rape, kidnapping, armed robbery, drug-related crimes, fraud and extortion, over the last three months.
The Commissioner of Police, Usman Jibrin, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Damaturu, where he gave an account of the command’s operations and crime-fighting activities between July and September.
Jibrin said the arrests followed investigations into 16 murder cases, nine rape cases, one kidnapping case, two extortion cases, five armed robbery cases and 112 other offences recorded during the period under review.
“We have recorded significant progress in our fight against crime and criminality in the state. In the period under review, 240 suspects were arrested in connection with various offences,” the commissioner said.
According to him, 198 cases had resulted in convictions, while two cases ended in acquittals and 26 cases were pending before the courts.
He added that 10 cases were still under investigation, while four case files were awaiting legal advice.
The commissioner said the figures reflected the command’s efforts to strengthen intelligence-led policing, prevent crime and protect lives and property across the state.
“These achievements clearly reflect our commitment to intelligence-led policing, crime prevention and the protection of lives and property,” Jibrin stated.
Beyond the arrests arising from reported cases, the police commissioner said operatives had conducted raids on criminal hideouts and identified black spots across Yobe State.
He said the operations led to the arrest of 171 suspected drug dealers and users, with illicit drugs, dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, other prohibited substances and dangerous weapons recovered.
Jibrin also disclosed that one suspect was killed during an armed robbery operation in Fika, while another suspect was arrested in connection with a separate incident.
“Our operatives neutralised one suspect during an armed robbery operation in Fika and arrested another suspect in a separate incident,” he said.
The commissioner further disclosed that the command arrested a suspect who allegedly travelled from Maiduguri to Yobe State with the intention of snatching vehicles after killing their owners.
He did not provide further details on the identity of the suspect or the specific circumstances surrounding the alleged plan.
On financial crimes, Jibrin said the police arrested a suspect in connection with alleged fraud and misappropriation of N77m.
He added that another suspect was arrested for allegedly obtaining cash and goods through fake bank transfer alerts.
“We also arrested a suspect in connection with the alleged fraud and misappropriation of N77m. Another suspect was arrested for obtaining cash and goods through fake bank transfer alerts,” the commissioner said.
The police boss also said operatives arrested a suspect found in possession of four rolls of high-voltage electrical cables suspected to have been stolen.
In another operation, two suspects were arrested for allegedly threatening and extorting N630,000 from two victims by threatening them with kidnapping.
“The suspects confessed during investigation and necessary legal action has been taken,” Jibrin said.
The commissioner also highlighted the command’s handling of sexual offences involving minors, saying detectives had made progress in investigating reported rape cases.
He said suspects had been arrested, investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“We have made significant progress in investigating rape cases involving minors. Suspects have been arrested, investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” Jibrin stated.
On cases of culpable homicide, Jibrin said detectives had successfully investigated separate incidents, arrested suspects and obtained confessional statements where applicable.
“Our detectives have successfully investigated separate cases of culpable homicide, arrested the suspects involved and concluded investigations for prosecution,” he said.
The commissioner attributed the reported progress to professionalism, prompt responses to criminal activities, intelligence-led operations and collaboration between the police, communities and other security stakeholders.
He commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, for their support to the command.
Jibrin also acknowledged the contributions of traditional rulers, sister security agencies, vigilante groups, the media and residents, particularly in providing information that assisted police operations.
He urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to the police, stressing that maintaining security was a collective responsibility.
The commissioner assured residents that the command would sustain its operations against crime and criminality while continuing to protect lives and property across Yobe State.
The latest operational briefing comes as the police command continues to combine investigations, intelligence gathering, community cooperation and targeted operations in responding to different categories of crime across the state.
West Trybe reports that the Yobe Police Command’s latest crime briefing covers arrests and investigations recorded between July and September, with 240 suspects arrested over various offences, 198 cases securing convictions, 26 cases pending in court, 10 under investigation and four awaiting legal advice.
