The Yobe State Police Command has arrested five suspects for sexual assault and theft in Shengele community, Fune Local Council of Yobe State.

The arrests, made on May 10, 2025, followed a distress call from different parts of the community.

Police Public Relations Officer SP Dungus Abdulkarim confirmed the arrests in a statement issued yesterday in Damaturu. He noted that the development had relieved residents who had endured a surge in crimes over the past two years.

Among the suspects is 25-year-old Idriss Yakubu, accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl. The others: Abubakar Barnawa, 28, Mohammed Modu, 20, Umar Mustapha, 18, and Musa Hassan, 19, were apprehended after a trader reported a fraud incident in the community.

In a separate operation, four tricycle riders were arrested in the state for criminal conspiracy, theft, and related crimes.

Abdulkarim stated that all suspects would be prosecuted upon the completion of investigations. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the police and other security agencies.

“We’re working round the clock to ensure justice is served and that the suspects are held accountable for their actions,” he said, emphasising the importance of community cooperation in maintaining security.