Yobe Police Smash Drug Network, Arrest Eight Suspects in Coordinated Crackdown

By Njadvara Musa, Damaturu

Yobe State Police Command has arrested eight suspects for alleged drug-related offences and recovered dangerous weapons during a series of coordinated security operations across the state.

The arrests followed sustained crime-prevention efforts involving intensified patrols, raids on criminal hideouts and black spots, stop-and-search operations, and intelligence-led policing designed to curb rising criminal activities.

According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) has already recorded significant operational success barely two weeks after its inauguration, leading to the arrest of eight suspected drug peddlers and violent crime suspects.

He explained that on June 9, 2026, at about 6:00 p.m., operatives of the VCRU, acting on credible intelligence, stormed the notorious New Marte Ghetto area in Damaturu in a coordinated raid.

During the operation, two main suspects were caught: Usman Hassan, known as “Bapani”, who is 20 years old and was found with a large amount of suspected Indian hemp and exam papers that likely belong to Yobe State University students; and Bukar Sale, also called “Benzima”, who is 18 and was discovered with suspected Indian hemp, a cutlass, and other illegal drugs.

Others arrested include Adamu (18), Hassan Abdullahi (20), Ibrahim Ibrahim alias “Bomboy” (20), Usman Sale alias “Ado Gonja” (21), Mohammed Salisu alias “RP Damboa” (25), and Bako Mohammed alias “Balande” (18). All the suspects are residents of Pompomari Sabon Kwalta in Damaturu.

The raid recovered items including suspected Indian hemp, other illicit substances, a cutlass, a knife, and materials believed to be linked to criminal activities. Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the suspects’ level of involvement and to track possible accomplices.

The Commissioner of Police, Usman Kanfani Jibrin, reaffirmed the command’s zero-tolerance policy on drug abuse, violent crimes, thuggery, hooliganism, and related offences. He warned youths against engaging in criminal activities and urged parents, community leaders, and stakeholders to intensify their efforts to guide young people and report any suspicious behaviour to security agencies.

The Yobe State Police Command stated that they will prosecute all suspects after completing investigations in Damaturu.

Gazargamu Emir Dies at 80 in Egypt After Prolonged Illness

By Njadvara Musa, Damaturu

The Emir of Gazargamu, Alhaji Ahmad Tijjani Ibn Saleh Geidam, has died at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness.

The first-class traditional ruler passed away on Tuesday in Cairo, Egypt, where he had been receiving medical treatment, according to family sources.

His son, Engr. Tijjani Hamisu Bala, General Manager of the Yobe State Road Maintenance Agency (YORMA), confirmed the monarch’s death in a statement issued in Damaturu.

Announcing the passing of his father, Bala described the late Emirat as a respected leader, mentor, and father figure whose life was dedicated to serving humanity and advancing the welfare of his people.

“With profound sorrow and complete submission to the will of Almighty Allah, I announce the passing of my beloved father, namesake and traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ahmad Tijjani Ibn Saleh, the Emir of Gazargamu, who returned to his Creator today, June 9, 2026, in Cairo, Egypt, after a prolonged illness,” the statement read.

He said the late monarch would be remembered for his wisdom, humility, courage and steadfast dedication to the development of Gazargamu Emirate and Yobe State.

“His fatherly guidance, exemplary leadership, and enduring legacy will continue to motivate generations,” Bala said.

The family prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the deceased and asked that he be granted Al-Jannatul Firdaus, while also seeking strength and patience for the family and the people of the emirate during the period of mourning.

At the time of filing this report, the family had not announced details regarding funeral arrangements. It was also unclear whether the late emir would be buried in Nigeria or Egypt.

Alhaji Ahmad Tijjani Ibn Saleh Geidam reigned as Emir of Gazargamu for 34 years, having ascended the throne in 1992 during the administration of the late Governor Bukar Abba Ibrahim.

Gazargamu, the seat of the emirate, holds historical significance as the capital of the ancient Kanem-Bornu Empire.

Born in 1946 in Mairari, Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State, the late monarch received his early education at Geidam Elementary School and Yerwa Senior Primary School before attending the Institute of Administration at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

He obtained a higher Islamic teachers’ certificate as well as a diploma in Sharia and civil law.

Before becoming emir, he served in various capacities, including as a teacher, area court assistant registrar, chairman of the Geidam Local Government Area, and commissioner of agriculture in the old Borno State.

In May 2020, he was appointed Chancellor of Yobe State University, a position he held alongside his traditional responsibilities.

His death marks the end of an era for one of northern Nigeria’s most revered traditional institutions.

Ex-IGP Alkali Baba Bows Out of Yobe APC Governorship Race Ahead of 2027

By Njadvara Musa, Damaturu

Former Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has withdrawn from the 2027 governorship race under the platform of the All Progressives Congress in Yobe State, a move seen as a major political development within the ruling party ahead of the next general elections.

Baba announced his decision on Thursday in Damaturu, stating that his withdrawal followed extensive consultations with party leaders, elders, and stakeholders across the state and beyond.

The former police chief said the decision was taken in the interest of unity and stability within the APC as preparations intensify for the 2027 polls.

According to him, the remaining aspirants in the race include former Yobe State Secretary to the Government, Baba Malam Wali, Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai, Barrister Kashim Musa Tumsah, and Engineer Mai Hajja.

Speaking on his withdrawal, Baba expressed appreciation to the people of Yobe State and acknowledged the support and guidance he received from prominent political figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, and Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.

He explained that stepping aside was a difficult but necessary decision aimed at strengthening party cohesion and ensuring APC’s victory in both Yobe State and across the country during the 2027 elections.

Baba urged his supporters and party loyalists to remain peaceful and continue supporting the APC and whoever eventually emerges as the party’s governorship candidate.

The former IGP also reaffirmed his commitment to the development of Yobe State, expressing optimism that the ruling party would sustain economic growth and stability in the state.

His withdrawal is expected to reshape the political calculations within the APC as the contest for the party’s governorship ticket gathers momentum ahead of next week’s crucial party activities.