The Yobe State Police Command has said its operatives have arrested 14 suspected drug dealers and recovered a large quantity of illicit drugs during a coordinated raid on criminal hideouts in Jakusko Local Government Area.

According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, the operation targeted drug joints at Buduwa Market in Jakusko LGA as part of the command’s sustained efforts to crack down on criminal activities across the state.

The suspects, arrested while allegedly engaging in the sale, consumption and abuse of illicit drugs, include Hamisu Umar, 20; Usman Wakili, 25; Aliyu Mohammed, 20; Hassan Ali, 35; Dudduwa Dorsha, 27; Adamu Hussaini, 27; Sale Adamu, 27; and Adamu Umaru, 25.

Others are Babaru Hassan, 28; Dangi Maikudi, 22; Hassan Audu, 29; Abubakar Usman, 29; Ahmadu Waziri, 23;  and Daudu Yusuf, 20.

“Items recovered from them include over 300 sachets and packages of various illicit drugs such as Tramadol, Vega tablets, Indian hemp, and other prohibited and controlled substances.

“Investigation is ongoing and the suspects are assisting with useful information to facilitate the arrest of other members of the criminal network.

“They will be charged in court upon conclusion of investigation,” the command noted.

In the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Yobe State Command, Usman Kanfani Jibrin, directed all area commanders, divisional police officers and tactical commanders to intensify raids on identified criminal hideouts and black spots across the state.

CP Jibrin reiterated the command’s zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking and substance abuse, noting that the menace remains a major catalyst for violent crimes and other criminal activities.

The Lagos State Police Command have arrested five suspected cultists during an intelligence-led operation targeting criminal elements allegedly terrorising the Apapa, Ijora and Badia areas of the state.

The arrests were carried out by officers of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) following credible intelligence on the activities of the suspects.

Police said in a statement that the operation first led to the arrest of a 25-year-old suspect, Abubakar Ayomide, also known as “Garbazin”, who later directed operatives to the group’s hideout, where four other suspected members were arrested.

The other suspects were identified as Tanko Yusuf, 23; Ahmed Abibu, 24; Abubakar Shafi, 23; and Fatai Mohammed, 25.

According to the police, the principal suspect confessed to being a member of the Aiye Confraternity and has provided investigators with useful information to aid ongoing investigations.

The command added that efforts are underway to track down other members of the criminal gang and conclude investigations before prosecution.

A search of the hideout led to the recovery of one battle axe, one UTC knife, two other knives, one hammer, substances suspected to be Indian hemp, suspected criminal charms and other exhibits.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, warned cultists and other criminal elements operating across the state to abandon their illegal activities or face the consequences.

“There is no hiding place for cultists in Lagos, as the Command remains resolute in identifying, arresting, and prosecuting every individual involved in cult-related violence and other criminal acts,” he said. 

The Commissioner also assured residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-driven operations across the state to tackle cultism and other violent crimes.

He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the police, assuring them that all reports would be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

The police also encouraged residents to report emergencies or share useful information through the Command’s emergency lines.

A notorious bandit commander, identified as Kachalla Sani Yellow, has been killed during a security operation in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Yellow was reportedly responsible for coordinating several attacks along the Anka–Bagega Road.

He was killed during an armed confrontation involving the Maiduguri Special Vigilantes, who were supporting ongoing counter-banditry operations in the area.

Following the operation, his body was displayed to residents in Anka as confirmation of his death.

The operation forms part of intensified security efforts across the Anka–Bagega–Gummi axis, where security forces, in collaboration with local vigilante groups, have reportedly recorded a series of successes against armed bandit groups in recent days.

The latest development is expected to bolster ongoing efforts to curb banditry and improve security in parts of Zamfara State.