Adamawa Police Arrest 72 Suspects In Major Crime Crackdown

Hanny Henry

The Adamawa State Police Command has recorded major progress in the fight against crime, arresting 72 suspects involved in various offences across the state in the third quarter of 2025.

Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, disclosed this during a strategic review meeting with senior officers, Heads of Departments (HODs), and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) at the Command Headquarters in Yola.

He noted that the arrests, which took place between July and September, were part of intensified efforts to ensure public safety and uphold professional policing standards in line with directives from the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

“Upon my assumption of duty last year as Commissioner of Police in Adamawa State, I made a solemn pledge to reduce crime and criminality to the barest minimum so that residents can sleep with their eyes closed,” CP Dankombo said.

The Commissioner revealed that coordinated operations involving the Anti-Kidnapping/Crack Squad, Intelligence Units, Tactical Teams, Area Commanders, and DPOs led to the arrest of 72 suspects. Out of these, 57 have been charged to court, while 15 remain under investigation.

Breakdown of Arrests by Crime Type:

Kidnapping9 cases

Armed robbery 7 cases

Culpable homicide 22 cases

Rape and sexual offences 18 cases

Theft 9 cases

Shila boys 4 cases

Abduction  3 cases

One of the major breakthroughs during the period was the arrest of two women involved in child theft and trafficking. The operation, led by ACP Shuaibu Wara following credible intelligence, led to the rescue of 13 children trafficked from Adamawa to Anambra State. The suspects have been charged to court, and all the children were rescued safely.

In another case, on 13th September 2025, the Area Commander in Mubi, ACP Markus Mancha, led an operation that rescued five children abducted from Maiduguri, Borno State. The children were traced to Adamawa, and investigations are ongoing to apprehend the culprits.

Similarly, operatives of the Gombi Division, in collaboration with local hunters, engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun duel and successfully rescued 28-year-old Isa Adamu, who had been abducted from Gurin in Fufore LGA on 24th August.

Recoveries Made During the Period:

Firearms,15 illegal firearms, including AK-47 rifles and locally-made pistols

Ammunition,111 rounds of assorted live ammunition

Stolen Property: 7 stolen vehicles and 25 rustled cattle, now being returned to their rightful owners

While commending officers for their achievements, CP Dankombo stressed the importance of professionalism, integrity, and respect for human rights in policing. He reminded officers to adhere strictly to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Nigeria Police Act, 2020.

He cautioned officers against interference in civil matters, including debt recovery, tenancy disagreements, or family disputes, urging them to refer such cases to civil courts or appropriate mediation channels.

He also warned against police involvement in land disputes lacking criminal elements, stating that any unlawful arrests or intimidation over land issues constitute constitutional violations.

“Any officer found engaging in bribery, extortion, or abuse of office will face disciplinary action. The Command will not shield corrupt personnel,” CP Dankombo warned.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to restoring public trust through accountability, lawful conduct, and continued community-focused policing.