The Gombe State Police Command paraded 21 suspects on Wednesday for alleged burglary, possession of weapons and criminal conspiracy. The parade took place at the command’s headquarters, where Commissioner of Police Oqua Etim affirmed the force’s commitment to partnering with residents to reduce crime in the state. Represented by Public Relations Officer Mahid Abubakar, Etim noted that the 21 suspects were involved in various offenses and that 12 remain at large. He credited Operation Hatara—a joint security initiative in the state—for the recent successes in curbing the rising crime rate.
Etim identified Shamsudeen Salisu, Dino Abdullahi, Abdurahman Abbas and Yushau Alhassan as being arrested for criminal conspiracy, house trespass, theft and possession of dangerous weapons. He recounted a formal complaint from Abdulhafiz Iliyasu of Herwagana quarters, Gombe, who reported that a group of “kalare” boys broke into his home at about 2 a.m., stealing his laptop and other items. The following day, Iliyasu informed Operation Hatara personnel that the suspects had been seen at their hideout. Operatives swiftly raided the compound and arrested the individuals.
The command also apprehended Garba Shehu, Haruna Saleh, Sulaiman Bakura and four others, while 12 suspects remain at large. Additionally, Sabo Ibrahim, Hassan Ibrahim, Usman Babayo and Abdulkadir Adamu were arrested for possessing dangerous weapons. Etim further explained that Mohammed Auwal and Solomon Zephaniah were captured after a 20‑year‑old resident, Adamu Uba of Tumfure quarters, reported being attacked. Uba said he had taken the suspects from the central round‑about on his Bajaj motorcycle to the Evangel area of Tumfure when one of them struck him twice on the head with a hammer, causing serious injury. After calling for help, the suspects were pursued, apprehended and beaten by an angry mob. Police intervened, rescued both the victim and the suspects, and transported them to a hospital where they received treatment and were discharged. The investigation remains ongoing, and the case will soon be presented to court.
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