Police arrest suspects over alleged extortion, drug, theft in Yobe raids
The Yobe State Police Command announced the arrest of multiple suspects in connection with alleged extortion, drug-related offenses, and theft throughout the state. This information was conveyed in a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Yusuf Adamu Aliyu, on behalf of Commissioner of Police Usman Kanfani Jibrin.
The arrests were conducted as part of intelligence-led policing initiatives, joint operations with other security agencies, and ongoing patrols aimed at dismantling criminal networks, according to the statement.
A notable case involved a resident of Baimari, Goni Abdullahi, who reported to the Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU) in Damaturu on August 16 that he received threatening phone calls and was coerced into paying 130,000 naira. Investigators apprehended 32-year-old Auwal Mallam Ari from Goneri Hamlet in Yunusari Local Government Area following inquiries related to the complaint.
During questioning, Ari allegedly confessed to the crime and disclosed that he and his associates had previously extorted 500,000 naira from another Goneri resident. He also identified one Audu Baimari as the purported leader of the criminal syndicate, who remains at large.
Authorities recovered a mobile phone and SIM card believed to have been used in the extortion, along with 630,000 naira suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities.
In another operation, the police collaborated with various security agencies and local vigilante groups to conduct a nighttime raid on known criminal hotspots within the Damaturu metropolis. This operation led to the arrest of 32 individuals suspected of involvement in various offenses.
The police stated that all suspects will face charges in court following the completion of investigations. The command reaffirmed its commitment to employing intelligence-driven tactics to eliminate criminal elements and enhance public safety in the state.
