By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
The Gombe State Police Command has dismantled an eight-member criminal syndicate allegedly involved in armed robbery and cyber fraud, rescued an abducted eight-year-old boy, arrested four suspected kidnappers, and intensified its crackdown on traffic offenders and criminal hideouts across the state.
Commissioner of Police, Umar Ahmed Chuso, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Gombe on the Command’s recent operational successes against violent crime, cyber-related offences and other criminal activities.
He said intelligence-led operations had yielded significant breakthroughs, including the dismantling of an organised criminal network allegedly involved in armed robbery and internet fraud.
According to the commissioner, investigations began after two residents of Wuro Birji in Akko Local Government Area reported on June 7, 2026, that they had been attacked by hoodlums who stole their mobile phones.
Police investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly used information obtained from the stolen phones to gain unauthorised access to the victims’ bank accounts, withdrawing ₦296,790 and obtaining an additional ₦205,205 through a digital loan facility.
Chuso said intelligence gathering, technical analysis and digital tracking led operatives to a Moniepoint account linked to one of the transactions, resulting in the arrest of the principal suspect, Mustapha Kabiru, popularly known as “Musty Bobo,” a 19-year-old student of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaltungo.
“The suspect’s confession subsequently led to the arrest of seven other members of the syndicate,” he said.
He added that investigations uncovered the gang’s alleged involvement in more than 13 similar operations in Wuro Birji, Riyal, Bomala and Jauro Jatau communities, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
The commissioner also said the Command had intensified enforcement against vehicles operating with covered, concealed, altered, defaced or missing registration number plates.
He explained that the exercise was aimed at improving vehicle identification and enhancing public safety.
According to him, since the commencement of the operation on June 16, 2026, the police have impounded 121 vehicles, while 114 motorists have been prosecuted for violating relevant provisions of the National Road Traffic Regulations and the Road Traffic Act, 2012.
He urged motorists to ensure their vehicles are properly registered and that number plates remain clearly visible at all times.
In a separate operation, Chuso announced the rescue of an eight-year-old boy who was abducted in Akko Local Government Area.
He said the case was reported on June 28, 2026, by the victim’s father, Alhaji Muhammad Nabadara, who informed police that his son had gone missing after leaving home the previous day.
The commissioner said detectives immediately launched an intelligence-led operation, leading to the arrest of the first suspect, Abdullahi Mohammed, on June 30 at Jauro Musa Quarters, Kumo.
Further investigation led to the arrest of three additional suspects identified as Mohammed Magaji, 35; Sale Sale, 23; and Walida Ya’u, 18, all residents of Kagarawal Quarters in Gombe.
“The victim was rescued unharmed from the suspects’ custody and has since been reunited with his family. Investigation is ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” he said.
Chuso further disclosed that the Command had launched the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) across the state in line with the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police.
He said the initiative is aimed at sensitising communities, schools and youths on the dangers of cultism, thuggery, drug abuse and other criminal activities while promoting responsible citizenship.
As part of the campaign, the Command conducted coordinated raids on identified criminal hideouts within Gombe metropolis on July 7, 2026.
According to the commissioner, 44 suspects were arrested during the operation, with some allegedly found in possession of offensive weapons, cannabis and other illicit substances.
He said investigations were ongoing and assured that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted.
Chuso appealed to residents to continue supporting the police with credible and timely information.
“The Gombe State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property through intelligence-led, community-oriented and proactive policing. Security is a collective responsibility, and together we can build a safer and more peaceful Gombe State,” he said.
