Police Arrest 8-Man Armed Robbery, Cybercrime Syndicate, Rescue Abducted Minor
By Aliyu Gerengi, Gombe
GOMBE — The Gombe State Police Command has recorded major operational successes in its fight against violent crime, cybercrime, and other security threats. These include the arrest of an 8-man armed robbery and internet fraud syndicate, the rescue of an abducted 8-year-old boy, and the arrest of four suspects linked to the crime.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, disclosed this during a press briefing in Gombe on Tuesday. He highlighted the Command’s recent operational achievements and proactive security measures aimed at enhancing public safety across the state.
According to the Commissioner, the 8-man syndicate was uncovered following a complaint lodged on June 7, 2026, by two residents of Wuro Birji in Akko Local Government Area who were attacked by armed hoodlums that stole their mobile phones.
Police investigations revealed that the suspects used information obtained from the stolen phones to gain unauthorized access to the victims’ bank accounts. They fraudulently withdrew ₦296,790 and secured an additional ₦205,205 through a quick loan facility.
CP Chuso said intelligence gathering and technical analysis led to the arrest of the principal suspect, Mustapha Kabiru, popularly known as “Musty Bobo,” a 19-year-old student of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaltungo. His confession resulted in the arrest of seven other members of the syndicate.
The Commissioner disclosed that investigations further linked the gang to more than 13 similar incidents in Wuro Birji, Riyal, Bomala, and Jauro Jatau communities. He added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
On traffic law enforcement, CP Chuso said the Command had intensified operations against vehicles operating without registration number plates or with covered, altered, concealed, or defaced plates.
He revealed that since the exercise commenced on June 16, 2026, police had impounded 121 vehicles, while 114 offenders had been prosecuted for violating the National Road Traffic Regulations and the Road Traffic Act.
The Commissioner urged motorists to ensure their vehicles were properly registered and that number plates remained clearly visible at all times.
CP Chuso also announced the successful rescue of an 8-year-old boy who was abducted after leaving his home in Akko Local Government Area on June 27, 2026.
He said intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of the prime suspect, Abdullahi Mohammed, in Kumo. His confession led to the arrest of three accomplices identified as Mohammed Magaji, Sale, and Walida Ya’u.
The victim was rescued unharmed and reunited with his family. The suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.
As part of efforts to strengthen crime prevention, the Commissioner said the Command had officially launched the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) to sensitize the public, particularly students and young people, on the dangers of cultism, drug abuse, and other social vices.
He added that a joint raid carried out on identified criminal hideouts within the Gombe metropolis on July 7 resulted in the arrest of 44 suspects. Some of them were found in possession of dangerous weapons, cannabis, and other illicit substances.
The Commissioner said investigations were ongoing and those found culpable would be prosecuted.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led and community-oriented policing and called on residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information to enhance peace and security across Gombe State.
