GOMBE POLICE ARREST FAKE VIGILANTE LEADER, ROBBERY SUSPECTS, RECOVER STOLEN VEHICLE, OTHERS

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By: Sefiu Ajape

The Gombe State Police Command says it has recorded significant breakthroughs in its fight against crime, with the arrest of notorious suspects, recovery of a stolen vehicle, and rescue of abandoned infants.

Parading the suspects on Friday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, said operatives arrested one Abdullahi Mohammed, 32, of Liji Quarters, Yamaltu/Deba LGA, who allegedly specialised in recruiting young boys, equipping them with fake vigilante identity cards and uniforms, and sending them to rob unsuspecting residents.

Two of his alleged recruits, identified as Alkasim Mohammed, also known as “Babanta” (18), and Faruk Umar (18), were also arrested.

Items recovered from the suspect’s shop included four mobile phones, six vigilante ID cards, four ATM cards, a police T-shirt, two police belts, a power bank, handcuffs, knives, passports belonging to different persons, and a motorcycle plate number.

DSP Abdullahi said, “The suspects confessed to the crime. Our investigation revealed that Abdullahi Mohammed has been recruiting young boys and arming them with fake vigilante identity to perpetrate robbery and other criminal activities.”

He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements in their communities.

In another operation, the Command arrested one Lukman Auwal, of City Store, Bauchi State, in connection with an armed robbery incident in Kashere, Akko LGA.

On September 12, 2025, the suspect and his accomplices — identified as Al’amin Bala, Abba Mohammed, and Aliyu Manto (others still at large) — allegedly stormed a residence at Jauro Bose Quarters, Kashere, armed with cutlasses and knives.

They reportedly broke doors, assaulted occupants, and carted away seven mobile phones valued at ₦729,000, four power banks valued at ₦75,000, and ₦90,000 cash.

Abdullahi disclosed that the suspect was arrested with a knife recovered as exhibit. “The arrested suspect has confessed to the crime, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang,” he said.

The Command also recovered a stolen Toyota Sienna (new model, light gold in color) reported missing from the Gombe Old Market area on August 5, 2025.

The first suspect, identified as Ibrahim Zubairu alias Dan Makka, of Tudun Wada, Pantami Quarters, Gombe, was arrested in Bauchi State, with the stolen vehicle and fabricated keys recovered in his possession.

DSP Abdullahi explained, “During interrogation, the suspect mentioned the names of his syndicate members, who are currently at large. Our operatives are intensifying efforts to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.”

Reiterating the Command’s resolve to protect lives and property, Abdullahi assured the public that, “We assure members of the public of our unwavering dedication to ensuring safety across the state. We call on residents to continue providing useful information that will aid the police in crime prevention and control.”

Earlier on Friday, the Police Command had announced the rescue of two abandoned infants and the arrest of two teenagers for alleged rape.

According to Abdullahi, a three-month-old baby was rescued on September 15, 2025, after being allegedly given away by her mother, Fatima Abdullahi, 20, of Damaturu, Yobe State, in connivance with one Adama Ibrahim.

The child was handed over to one Fatima Haruna of Liji Quarters, Gombe, who fled with the baby.