On December 29, 2024, SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, spokesperson for the Bauchi State Police Command, announced the successful arrest of 15 individuals involved in criminal activities such as housebreaking, theft, and burglary. The arrests were made during a joint effort between the police and quasi-security outfits as part of a robust foot-patrol initiative aimed at curbing crimes during the Yuletide season.
According to the police, the suspects were apprehended in multiple operations, including a significant intervention on December 25, 2024. The patrol team, led by CSP Holman Simon from the GRA Divisional Police Headquarters, foiled an attempted burglary at a shop in the Wuntin Dada area. When the suspects noticed the presence of police operatives, they attempted to flee but were quickly pursued and captured.
Among the stolen goods recovered were 18 mobile phones, household items, and other valuables. Notably, 14-year-old Usman Ali, a suspect from Sabuwar Kasuwa, was arrested after allegedly breaking into a mobile phone shop in Magama Gumau and stealing the phones. He was taken into custody after police acted on credible intelligence, and the stolen phones were returned to the shop owner.
The full list of suspects arrested during the operation includes Adamu Umar, Sadik Inuwa, Ukasha Saleh, Abba Musa, Abdulrashid Ismail, and several others, ranging in age from 18 to 23. The recovered stolen items included knives, car batteries, cartons of beverages, food items, mattresses, and various household goods.
Bauchi State Police Commissioner, CP Auwal Musa Mohammed, praised the community for their cooperation, which contributed to the successful operation. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to ensure the safety of residents during the festive season and beyond. The arrested individuals will face appropriate legal proceedings following profiling.