The Adamawa State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on violent crime, leading to the arrest of three suspected gang members linked to armed robbery, theft, and Shilla gang activities across parts of Yola North and Yola South Local Government Areas.
The arrests were carried out in separate operations on 12 and 14 June 2026 by operatives of the Doubeli Divisional Police Headquarters and other tactical units, acting on distress calls and intelligence-led patrols aimed at curbing rising street crimes in the metropolis.
On 12 June, police responded swiftly to a distress call following an attack on a passenger aboard a commercial tricycle (Keke Napep) along the Doubeli Bye-Pass.
The suspect, identified as Abdulmalik Mohammed, 22, of Zango area, was alleged to have armed himself with a cutlass and attacked the victim before dispossessing him of his mobile phone.
Following the attack, the suspect was reportedly apprehended by members of the public who attempted to carry out a mob action before police operatives arrived at the scene, rescued him, and took him into custody.
Preliminary investigations further linked him to a series of theft incidents within the metropolis, including the alleged stealing of a sewing machine at Tsohon Kasuwa.
In a separate operation on 14 June, police operatives on routine confidence-building patrol arrested two suspected members of the Shilla gang, identified as Abba Abdullahi, 17, and Abdulrahman Saidu, 16.
The suspects were reportedly found in possession of dangerous knives believed to have been intended for use in carrying out criminal activities during a birthday gathering.
Confirming the arrest on Tuesday, the command spokesperson, Sulieman Nguroje noted that investigations are ongoing to track down other accomplices and dismantle the wider criminal network operating within the area.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Kabir Hassan, commended the operatives for their swift response, professionalism, and commitment to maintaining public safety. He reiterated the Command’s resolve to rid the state of Shilla gang activities and other violent criminal groups threatening peace in the communities.
The Command also urged residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information, assuring that all reports will be treated with strict confidentiality.