The Gombe State Police on Tuesday paraded 20 suspects for various criminal offences committed across the state in recent weeks, following intensified operations aimed at tackling insecurity.

According to a press statement signed by Buhari Abdullahi, Public Relations Officer of the command, the arrests resulted from proactive policing, community intelligence, and prompt responses to distress calls, with several weapons, drugs, and stolen items recovered during the operations.

Among those arrested was a 25-year-old man, Maikudi Hassan, who attempted to steal a parked motorcycle at Tumfure.

“He was caught at the scene following a swift police response, and the motorcycle was recovered,” Abdullahi said.

In another incident, two suspected gang members, aged 20 and 22, were arrested in Pantami Quarters after being found in possession of sharp metal weapons adding, “The suspects were reportedly preparing for a clash with rival groups when they were apprehended by Operation Hattara operatives.”

Similarly, police arrested two young men in Yalanguruza Quarters for public nuisance and drug possession, items including a sharp cutlass, tablets of suspected Exzole, and dried leaves believed to be Indian hemp.

In a more tragic case, a 24-year-old man was arrested for allegedly killing another man during a dispute in Agangaro Village, Yamaltu/Deba LGA. The victim sustained fatal head injuries after being struck with a stick.

Three suspects were also arrested for luring a man into a robbery ambush in GRA Quarters. The victim was assaulted with a machete and robbed of cash and personal items. A fourth suspect is still at large.

Elsewhere, two men were arrested for armed robbery on the Bajoga–Potiskum Road.

“The suspects reportedly blocked the road and attacked a vehicle, stealing over ₦1.4 million worth of property, including NYSC and police belongings.

“Footprints led police to their hideout in Wuro Funa village,” he said.

In Billiri LGA, a 35-year-old man was arrested for allegedly raping a six-year-old girl after luring her into a house. Medical examination and investigation are ongoing.

Police also intercepted a group of suspects transporting a cow in a vehicle without a valid explanation, stating,

“Two of them confessed to stealing the animal, leading to more arrests. The cow, valued at ₦700,000, was recovered alongside the vehicle used in the theft.”

In another cattle rustling case, three cows were recovered, and several suspects were apprehended along the Gombe–Bajoga Highway.

He said, “One confessed to stealing the livestock from Tappi in Kwami LGA.”

“A woman was also arrested for allegedly stealing over ₦5 million from three grain traders across markets in Bauchi and Gombe states. She was eventually tracked and arrested at Dukku Market.

“A 47-year-old man in Tudun Wada Shamaki Quarters was arrested for allegedly raping his stepdaughter. The victim and suspect were taken to the hospital for medical attention, and the case is under investigation,” he added.