The Yobe State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with the alleged theft of a commercial tricycle in Potiskum Local Government Area of the state.

Police said the tricycle was stolen after the rider was allegedly drugged while conveying a passenger to the Dubai area of Potiskum.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, said the arrest marked another operational success in the command’s fight against armed robbery and organised crime.

He explained that on July 23, 2026, at about 10:50 p.m., the Potiskum Divisional Police Headquarters received a distress report that at about 8:30 p.m. the same day, an unidentified man, who posed as a passenger, allegedly administered a suspected intoxicating substance to a 25-year-old commercial tricycle rider while he was conveying him to the Dubai area of Garin Dala, behind G.G.S.S.T.C., Potiskum.

According to the police spokesperson, the rider became unconscious after consuming the suspected substance, allowing the suspect to escape with the tricycle, bearing registration number 7878, to an unknown destination.

He added that the victim was immediately evacuated to the State Specialist Hospital, Potiskum, where he was admitted and is responding to treatment.

Abdulkarim stressed that following the swift dissemination of information and coordinated intelligence sharing with neighbouring states, the suspect and the stolen tricycle were intercepted at a security checkpoint in Gaya, Kano State.

He said investigations are ongoing and that the suspect will be prosecuted upon their conclusion.

The Commissioner of Police, Usman Kanfani Jibrin, commended the prompt response and effective collaboration among security agencies that led to the recovery of the tricycle and the arrest of the suspect.

He also directed that the case be thoroughly investigated to identify and arrest any accomplices connected with the crime.

Jibrin advised commercial tricycle operators, taxi drivers and other transport service providers to remain vigilant while carrying passengers.

He urged operators not to be lured by unusually high fares offered by suspicious passengers and warned them against accepting drinks, food, medication or any other consumables from strangers while on duty.

The commissioner also encouraged transport operators and the public to promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or other security agencies.