Joy Dennis, Yola

The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested 57 suspected gang members in a sustained crackdown on Shilla gangsterism, drug abuse, public nuisance, and other criminal activities across the state.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Yola, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, said the operation was carried out in identified criminal hideouts within Jimeta and Yola metropolis.

He explained that the coordinated raid was conducted by Divisional Police Officers under the supervision of Area Commanders as part of efforts to rid communities of criminal elements and enhance public safety.

“The operation, which was carried out in identified criminal hideouts and black spots within Jimeta and Yola metropolis, yielded positive results with the arrest of fifty-seven (57) suspects for offences bordering on Shilla-related activities, public nuisance, possession of dangerous weapons, and involvement with prohibited substances,” Nguroje said.

He added that dangerous weapons and suspected illicit substances were recovered from the suspects during the operation and have been documented for use as evidence in court.

“During the operation, police operatives recovered various dangerous weapons and suspected banned substances from the suspects. The exhibits have been documented and will be tendered as evidence in court during prosecution,” he stated.

Nguroje further disclosed that the suspects have been charged to court, while investigations and profiling are ongoing to determine their level of involvement in other criminal activities.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Kabiru Umar Hassan, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that the police remain determined to dismantle criminal gangs and restore lasting peace across the state.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible and timely information to assist the police in crime prevention and detection.