Yobe Police Arrest 23 Over Drug Offences, Recover Illicit Substances

Yobe Police Arrest 23 Over Drug Offences, Recover Illicit Substances

By Njadvara Musa , Damaturu

The Nigeria Police Force in Yobe State has arrested 23 suspects in separate operations targeting drug-related crimes across parts of the state, authorities said on Friday.

The arrests followed coordinated raids and intelligence-led operations carried out in the Tarmuwa Local Government Area and Damaturu township, leading to the recovery of suspected illicit drugs and other harmful substances.

According to the spokesperson of the Yobe State Police Command, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, the operations were part of renewed efforts by the command to tackle criminal activities and curb the spread of drug abuse in the state.

Mr Abdulkarim disclosed in a statement issued in Damaturu that police operatives attached to the Tarmuwa Division, working alongside local vigilantes, conducted a major raid at Tashan Fulani village on 14 May.

He said four suspects were arrested during the operation while allegedly in possession of various exhibits, including two-and-a-half bundles of dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and packets containing pieces of the substance, as well as liquid substances popularly known as “Suck and die.”.

The police spokesperson added that other items recovered from the suspects included tramadol capsules and Enzol tablets.

“Investigation is ongoing, and the arrested suspects will be charged in court upon conclusion of investigation,” he stated.

In another operation conducted on 13 May, operatives attached to A Division Damaturu carried out joint night patrols and raids in identified black spots within the state capital.

The areas raided included Zango CMC, Mass Transit Park and the Jerusalem Ajayi community.The operation resulted in the arrest of 19 additional suspects, made up of 14 men and five women.

Police said exhibits recovered from the suspects included tramadol capsules, Exol, and Diazepam tablets, alongside large quantities of dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.

The command said all 23 suspects are currently undergoing screening, and those found culpable would be prosecuted.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Usman Kanfani Jibrin, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining the fight against drug abuse, criminal syndicates, and other related crimes.

He directed tactical teams and officers across the state to intensify operations aimed at flushing out criminal elements from their hideouts.

Mr Jibrin also urged residents to support security agencies with credible information and remain vigilant by reporting suspicious movements and activities within their communities.