The Gombe State Police Command has apprehended a suspected armed robber, arrested two men allegedly linked to housebreaking with 39 master keys in their possession, and recovered a stolen Toyota Yaris during separate intelligence-led operations carried out across the state.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, disclosed the developments on Wednesday while briefing journalists on recent security operations undertaken by the police.
According to Abdullahi, one of the suspects, identified as Micah Nuhu, was arrested in connection with a violent robbery incident involving a woman identified as Mama Kingsley Joseph.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect allegedly assaulted the victim with a pestle before making away with her purse.
Police operatives were, however, able to recover the stolen purse shortly after the incident.
The victim sustained injuries during the attack and was immediately rushed to Cottage Hospital in Bambam, where she received medical treatment.
Abdullahi said the matter has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for comprehensive investigation.
“The State Criminal Investigation Department is investigating the case, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing accomplice identified as Mubarak,” Abdullahi said.
In a separate operation, police operatives stormed a suspected criminal hideout located in the Tumfure area of Akko Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of Nasiru Aminu, aged 40, and Jamiu Muhammad, aged 33.
During a search conducted at the location, officers recovered 39 master keys and a screwdriver, which investigators believe were intended for breaking into residential buildings.
Police authorities said investigations are ongoing to determine whether the suspects are connected to previous burglary cases recorded within and outside the state.
“The suspects are in custody and investigation is ongoing to determine their involvement in other criminal activities,” the police spokesman stated.
The command also announced the successful recovery of a Toyota Yaris allegedly stolen after its owner, Sani Ahmed, was attacked by suspected criminals.
According to the police, the victim was reportedly stabbed by the attackers before being forcefully pushed out of the moving vehicle around the Tumu-Kashere Junction.
The suspects allegedly fled with the vehicle, abandoning Ahmed by the roadside.
Following a coordinated search operation, the police located the abandoned vehicle near the Army Barracks and secured it at the station as investigations commenced.
Ahmed was rescued and taken to the Specialist Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.
“The victim was evacuated to the Specialist Hospital for treatment, while the abandoned vehicle was recovered near the Army Barracks and secured at the police station. The State Criminal Investigation Department has commenced investigation into the incident,” he said.
The Gombe State Police Command reiterated its commitment to combating crime and ensuring the protection of lives and property across the state.
The command also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible and timely information capable of assisting ongoing investigations and crime prevention efforts.
Meanwhile, in a related development, operatives of the Delta State Police Command recently arrested eight suspects over alleged armed robbery, cultism and illegal possession of firearms during separate intelligence-driven operations across Delta State.
Police authorities in Delta also recovered four locally fabricated firearms, four live cartridges, one expended cartridge and a dagger knife during the operations.
