By IROYIN YORUBA TELEVISION
The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested 29 suspects in connection with a range of alleged criminal offences recorded across the state during September, including kidnapping, homicide, armed robbery, sexual violence, drug trafficking, vandalism, theft and alleged dealings involving counterfeit currency.
The arrests were disclosed during a security briefing at the command headquarters in Bauchi, where officials provided details of several investigations and operations carried out by police formations across different parts of the state.
The command said the arrests were the result of intelligence-led operations, targeted investigations and interventions following reports from members of the public.
Among the cases highlighted was an alleged kidnapping-for-ransom operation in Bununu, where police said two suspects were arrested while allegedly collecting N1.5 million demanded from a resident of Machiyar Kuka village.
The suspects were identified as 25-year-old Sunusi Muhammad and 20-year-old Idris Aliyu. Police said Muhammad was arrested during the alleged collection of the ransom, while Aliyu was subsequently apprehended as an alleged accomplice.
The arrests allowed investigators to take control of the case before the alleged ransom transaction could be completed. Police said the suspects were being investigated in connection with the alleged kidnapping and ransom demand.
Another investigation concerns a man identified as Gambo Hassan, also known as Anahaka, who police said was arrested over alleged serial kidnapping, rape and armed robbery involving female passengers within Bauchi metropolis.
According to the police account, investigators identified more than 40 women as possible victims connected to the allegations against the suspect.
During a search of his residence, officers reportedly recovered 15 mobile phones, three power banks, six wristwatches, wrappers, hijabs, cash amounting to N425,435, foreign currencies and other items.
The recovered property is expected to form part of the evidence being examined by investigators as they attempt to establish which items may be connected to reported offences and whether additional victims or suspects can be identified.
Police also reported the arrest of four suspects in connection with the alleged killing of a 45-year-old man, Garba Abdullahi.
The suspects were identified as Shitu Dahiru, Magaji Dahiru, Sabi'u Auwalu and Abbah Abdulzahar.
The investigation reportedly followed allegations that the victim was attacked with machetes after being accused of witchcraft.
The case has raised concerns about the danger of allowing accusations of witchcraft or other unverified claims to result in violence. Regardless of the nature of an accusation, criminal allegations are expected to be handled through established investigative and judicial processes rather than through attacks by individuals or groups.
The command also reported the arrest of seven suspects following a violent reprisal incident in Dass Local Government Area that resulted in two deaths.
The incident began with the alleged attack and killing of a 29-year-old tricycle rider, after which a reprisal attack reportedly developed between youths from different communities.
The resulting confrontation led to another death, according to the police. Officers intervened, restored calm and arrested seven suspects while continuing efforts to locate others allegedly involved.
The incident illustrates how an initial violent attack can quickly develop into wider communal tension when groups attempt to retaliate outside the formal justice system.
Police authorities have continued to warn residents against reprisal attacks and other forms of mob action, arguing that such responses can create additional victims while making investigations more difficult.
Drug-related arrests were also recorded during the September operations.
Police said operatives attached to the Gadau Division intercepted a Sharon vehicle following intelligence and recovered 69 blocks of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
Two suspects, identified as 35-year-old Shu'aibu Umar and 20-year-old Isah Ibrahim, were arrested in connection with the seizure.
The command said investigations would determine the origin, intended destination and ownership of the suspected drugs.
In Gamawa, police reported the arrest of two suspects following the alleged vandalism of electricity infrastructure. About 150 metres of aluminium conductor wire was reportedly recovered.
The incident highlights the wider consequences of infrastructure vandalism, as the removal of electricity equipment can disrupt power supply to communities and create additional costs for replacement and repairs.
Police also reported a separate investigation involving a loaded locally made firearm that was allegedly left unattended in Gamawa.
According to the police account, a 13-year-old boy, Mubarak Mohd, accidentally triggered the weapon and sustained a fatal gunshot injury.
A man identified as Suleiman Hamza was arrested in connection with the incident.
The case demonstrates the dangers associated with unsecured firearms, particularly in environments where children may have access to weapons without understanding the risks involved.
Another case involved the alleged robbery of a young man in Fadan Bayak. Police said three suspects intercepted the victim, threatened him with a knife and stole his mobile phone.
Investigators subsequently traced the suspects to a room in Unguwar Ardo, where three 18-year-old men were arrested. Three knives and the stolen phone were reportedly recovered.
Police said one of the suspects had previously been convicted, although the current allegations remain subject to investigation.
The command also disclosed investigations into alleged counterfeit currency transactions.
In Darazo, a 25-year-old suspect identified as Adamu Umar was allegedly arrested while attempting to exchange counterfeit United States dollars for naira. Police said 67 suspected counterfeit dollar notes, a machete and a mobile phone were recovered.
Investigators alleged that the suspect attacked and injured a police officer with a machete while being taken to the division.
In another case involving an alleged foreign-currency scam, police said a resident of Agege, Lagos, travelled to Yana after being contacted over a proposed dollar exchange.
The man allegedly transferred N4.449 million to an account provided by the suspects before being assaulted and given suspected counterfeit $100 notes.
Two suspects were arrested, while investigators recovered 96 suspected counterfeit $100 notes. Police said efforts were continuing to locate other people allegedly connected to the transaction.
The command also reported arrests involving alleged sexual offences against three minors in Darazo and the arrest of a suspect over the alleged theft of a tricycle in Dumi.
Taken together, the cases show that the September operations involved different categories of crime rather than a single criminal network or operation. The investigations range from violent offences and kidnapping to drug trafficking, infrastructure vandalism, theft, sexual offences and financial crimes.
The police have directed investigators handling the cases to conduct detailed investigations and prepare the evidence required for prosecution where appropriate.
The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, also warned residents against jungle justice, reprisal attacks, illegal possession of firearms, drug trafficking, sexual violence, vandalism and fraudulent foreign-exchange transactions.
Residents were urged to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, particularly where they become aware of suspicious activities that could threaten lives or property.
The arrests do not by themselves establish guilt. Each suspect remains entitled to due process, and the allegations will have to be supported by evidence through the appropriate legal process.
For Bauchi residents, the investigations now move beyond the arrests. Police will need to establish the individual roles of the suspects, identify any additional people who may have been involved, preserve evidence and present cases that meet the requirements for prosecution.
The command's latest security briefing therefore provides an update on a broad series of investigations across Bauchi State, while the outcome of those cases will depend on further police inquiries and subsequent judicial proceedings.