The Yobe State Police Command has smashed a criminal syndicate specializing in the theft of tricycles and other valuable metal objects, which are subsequently cut into pieces and sold as scrap.
The spokesperson for the command, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, May 1, 2026.
According to the PPRO, the breakthrough followed a complaint received on 21st April 2026 at about 1520hrs from one Goni Kemi of Kukareta Village, Damaturu, reporting that his yellow-coloured tricycle with registration number 5330 DTR was stolen along Maiduguri Road.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of B Division Police Headquarters, Damaturu, on 30th April 2026 at about 1600hrs, carried out a targeted operation which led to the recovery of the stolen tricycle.
However, the vehicle had already been dismantled into parts by a suspected scrap dealer.
“The suspect, one Ali Mallam Ibrahim of Don-Etiebiet Housing Estate, Damaturu, was arrested and confessed to having purchased the tricycle from one Ibrahim Umar of Pompomari Ward, Damaturu, who was also apprehended in connection with the crime,” the statement read.
“Meanwhile, one Alhaji Ali of Dapchi is currently at large. Efforts are ongoing to track and arrest the fleeing suspect. The case is under investigation and will be charged to court upon completion.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Usman Kanfani Jibrin, psc, mspsp, commended the operatives for their professionalism and swift response.
“He charged officers to sustain the momentum in the fight against crime and reiterated the Command’s commitment to making Yobe State unsafe for criminal elements.
“The CP further urged members of the public to continue cooperating with the Police by providing timely and useful information.
“If you see something, say something, and follow up where possible,” he advised.
