Gombe Police dismantle robbery rings, rescue abandoned infant, recover stolen SUV

The Gombe State Police Command launched an operation apprehending suspected criminals involved in robbery and child abandonment, while also recovering a stolen vehicle during recent operations.

The Public Relations Officer of the Gombe Police Command, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, in a parade held on Friday, disclosed multiple breakthroughs in the fight against crime. Among those arrested was Abdullahi Mohammed, 32, from Liji Quarters, Yamaltu/Deba LGA, accused of recruiting youths and equipping them with counterfeit vigilante identification and uniforms to carry out robberies. Two of his recruits, Alkasim Mohammed (“Babanta”) and Faruk Umar, both aged 18, were also detained.

Confiscated items from the suspect’s premises included mobile phones, fake identification cards, ATM cards, police attire, and various other implements used to facilitate their illegal activities. DSP Abdullahi explained that the group used fake vigilante credentials to deceive and rob residents.

Another arrests involved Lukman Auwal from Bauchi State, connected to an armed robbery in Kashere, Akko LGA. The suspect and accomplices reportedly raided a home with weapons like cutlasses and knives, stealing phones, power banks, and cash totaling over ₦894,000. Lukman was arrested with a knife, and investigations to apprehend his remaining gang members are underway.

In a separate development, police recovered a gold-colored Toyota Sienna reported stolen from Gombe Old Market on August 5, 2025. Ibrahim Zubairu, popularly known as Dan Makka, was apprehended in Bauchi State with the vehicle and fake keys in his possession. According to DSP Abdullahi, the suspect revealed names of other syndicate members during questioning, who remain at large as operations to arrest them continue.

The Command also recently rescued a three-month-old baby who had been abandoned following a mother’s alleged collusion to give her child away. The infant was found on September 15, 2025, and placed in safe custody.

The Gombe Police Command has reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining security and urged the public to cooperate by reporting suspicious activities.