Yobe Police Secure 198 Convictions, Arrest 240 Suspects

The Yobe State Police Command has secured 198 convictions and arrested 240 suspects over various criminal offences as part of its intensified crime-fighting operations in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Usman Kanfani Jibrin, disclosed this on Wednesday in Damaturu while briefing journalists on the command’s operational activities from July to date.

According to him, the command recorded 145 criminal cases during the period under review, comprising 16 murder cases, nine rape cases, one kidnapping case, two extortion cases, five armed robbery cases and 112 cases involving other offences.

Giving a breakdown of the cases, Jibrin said 198 cases had resulted in convictions, while two cases ended in acquittals. He added that 26 cases were currently before the courts, 10 remained under investigation and four were awaiting legal advice.

“These gains reflect our resolve to not only apprehend offenders but also ensure their prosecution through thorough investigation and firm action,” the commissioner said.

He said the Command remained committed to intelligence-led policing, adding that its tactical units had recorded significant successes against criminal activities, drug-related offences and other security threats.

Jibrin disclosed that 171 suspected narcotics vendors and consumers were arrested during operations targeting criminal hideouts and drug-related activities.

He said the operations also led to the recovery of illicit drugs, prohibited items and dangerous weapons.

The commissioner further disclosed that police operatives in Fika subdued one suspect during a shootout, while another suspect was arrested in a separate operation.

He said the Command also intercepted a suspect who allegedly travelled from Maiduguri to vandalise vehicles, thereby foiling the plan before it could result in loss of lives.

On financial crimes, Jibrin said the command recorded breakthroughs with the arrest of a suspect allegedly involved in fraud and misappropriation of N77 million.

He added that another suspect was arrested for allegedly obtaining money and goods through fraudulent bank transfer alerts.

The commissioner also said technical intelligence helped the command to arrest two suspects accused of extorting N630,000 from two victims under duress.

According to him, the suspects reportedly confessed to the offence during interrogation.

Jibrin said the Command had also made progress in investigations involving the kidnapping of juveniles and culpable homicide, noting that suspects arrested in connection with the cases had been subjected to investigation and charged to court.

He added that detectives were finalising investigations in some of the cases to facilitate prosecution.

The commissioner reiterated the command’s commitment to professionalism, prompt response to security threats and stronger collaboration with members of the public.

The briefing ended with the presentation of suspects and recovered exhibits to journalists, followed by a question-and-answer session.