Gombe Police Dismantle Crime Ring, Rescue Abducted Minor

​The Gombe State Police Command has recorded a series of significant breakthroughs in its ongoing efforts to curb violent crime and illicit activities across the state. Commissioner of Police Umar Ahmed Chuso announced on Wednesday that police operatives have successfully dismantled an eight-member criminal syndicate, rescued an abducted eight-year-old boy, and apprehended dozens of suspects linked to various offenses.

​Dismantling an Organized Crime Syndicate

​Following a string of armed robberies and cyber-fraud incidents reported in Wuro Birji, Akko Local Government Area, police intelligence units launched a targeted operation. The gang had been targeting residents, stealing mobile devices, and subsequently hacking into bank accounts to siphon funds and secure unauthorized digital loans.

​Investigations led to the arrest of the syndicate’s ringleader, 19-year-old Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo student Mustapha Kabiru, alias “Musty Bobo.” His capture facilitated the arrest of seven accomplices. Authorities confirmed that the group is linked to over 13 separate criminal operations spanning communities including Riyal, Bomala, and Jauro Jatau.

​Rescue of Kidnapped Minor

​In a separate success, the Command secured the safe release of an eight-year-old boy abducted in Akko LGA. Acting on a report filed by the victim’s father, Alhaji Muhammad Nabadara, on June 28, detectives utilized intelligence-led tracking to apprehend four suspects: Abdullahi Mohammed, Mohammed Magaji, Sale Sale, and Walida Ya’u. The child was rescued unharmed and reunited with his family, while the suspects remain in custody awaiting arraignment.

ADVERTISEMENT

​Enhanced Enforcement and POCACOV Initiative

​The Command has also intensified its crackdown on traffic violations, specifically targeting vehicles operating with defaced, concealed, or missing number plates. Since the June 16 enforcement launch, police have impounded 121 vehicles and successfully prosecuted 114 motorists for breaching the National Road Traffic Regulations and the 2012 Road Traffic Act.

​Furthermore, Commissioner Chuso has officially inaugurated the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) in Gombe. Designed to foster community-police cooperation, the program focuses on sensitizing youths against drug abuse, thuggery, and cultism. As part of this initiative, a coordinated raid on July 7 in the Gombe metropolis led to the arrest of 44 individuals found in possession of illicit substances and offensive weapons.

​CP Chuso reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led and community-oriented policing, urging residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information to law enforcement to ensure sustained peace in the state.