The Gombe State Police Command has arrested eight suspects in separate operations, rescued a victim of kidnap, and recovered 19 live rounds of ammunition, along with other exhibits.
A statement issued by the state police command through its Police Public Relations Officer, Buhari Abdullahi, declared that it has intensified efforts to curb criminal activities across the state, recording significant breakthroughs in recent operations.
The police statement said a domestic worker, Hannatu Ibrahim (28), was arrested for allegedly stealing $35,000 from her employer, a Syrian national, before setting his residence ablaze.
The crime, which occurred on March 22 in the New GRA area of Gombe, the command said, led to the swift intervention of police operatives, who apprehended Hannatu, and recovered $7,100 in cash.
Apart from Hannatu, two accomplices, including the security guard of the Syrian, were also taken into custody.
In another operation, armed assailants stormed the residence of Usaini Magaji in Wuro-Waila, Akko Local Government Council, on March 19, and kidnapped his 22-year-old wife, Amina Hussaini.
“Following a coordinated police operation involving raids and tracking, the victim was freed unharmed on March 25.
“The kidnappers, facing pressure, abandoned their captive and fled. Police recovered two empty shells from the crime scene and are intensifying efforts to apprehend the suspects,” the statement said.
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Also, the police command said it arrested Abdu Manu (35), of Lamba Village, for unlawful possession of a locally made pistol.
“Manu confessed to purchasing the weapon for ₦6,000 from another suspect, Babangida Mohammed (27). Authorities are investigating the source of the firearm, with plans to charge the suspects in court,” it added.
Similarly, the police said its operatives arrested Abdullahi Musa (27) on March 24 for robbing traders returning from Leggal Market on the Billiri-Filiya Road.
“Six other accomplices who took part in the robbery remain at large.
“A joint police and hunters’ team apprehended him in Palsheshe-Basha, recovering an empty AK-47 shell and wooden roadblocks. A manhunt for the remaining suspects is ongoing,” the police added.
In a related development, the police recovered a Toyota Camry, valued at ₦2.5 million, after it was stolen from the premises of the Gombe Central Mosque on March 23.
“Following intelligence-led operations, two days later arrested Mohammed Adamu (43) and Hashiru Mohammed (47). The suspects confessed to the crime and will soon be charged in court.
“Three young boys collecting discarded plastic bottles near a fuel station in Gombe made a shocking discovery—a packet containing 19 rounds of 7.6x62mm live ammunition.
“They immediately reported the find to the police, who conducted a thorough search of the area but found no additional weapons or ammunition,” the statement said.
The Gombe State Police Command has reassured residents of its dedication to fighting crime and ensuring a safer environment.
It urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to law- enforcement agencies.
