The Yobe State Police Command has dismantled a suspected criminal syndicate linked to burglary, theft, and phone snatching in Damaturu, leading to the arrest of seven suspects and the recovery of stolen items.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, who disclosed that the operation was carried out by operatives of ‘A’ Division, Damaturu, between April 16 and 19, 2026. The exercise targeted crime-prone areas such as Nayinawa, Bindigari, One Million Road, and Pompomari wards.
Those arrested include Usman Mohd, 20, of One Million Road; Abubakar Adamu, 20, of Nayinawa; Mohd Ibrahim, 22, of Bindigari; Mohd Goni, 19, also of Bindigari; Khalifa Mohd, 19, of Gwange; Abubakar Mohammed, 19, of Forestry Ajari Ward; and Ali Mohammed, 23, of Abari Ward—all residents of Damaturu.
According to the police, the suspects confessed during interrogation to their involvement in multiple criminal activities. They admitted to participating in a series of burglary, theft, and phone snatching operations across the affected communities. The suspects also revealed that they had stolen seven Android phones and two keypad phones, with six of the devices already recovered.
The command noted that investigations are ongoing with a view to prosecuting the suspects in accordance with the law.
Commending the operatives for the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police, Usman Kanfani Jibrin, praised their professionalism and dedication, urging them to sustain efforts in combating crime across the state.
He also called on residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information to enhance public safety.
