The Gombe State Police Command has recorded a major operational breakthrough with the arrest of a suspected kidnapper, rescue of three abducted victims and seizure of 2,500 sachets of Tramadol capsules in separate operations across the state.
Confirming the report, Police Public Relations Officer Gombe State Command DSP Buhari Abdullahi said the Command said the operations, conducted on September 8, 2026, were part of intensified intelligence-led efforts to dismantle criminal networks, combat kidnapping and curb illicit drug trafficking in Gombe.
In the first operation, a joint team comprising personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), vigilante members and hunters conducted clearance operations around suspected criminal hideouts in Kowagel, Dukku Local Government Area, and parts of Bojude in Kwami LGA.
The operation, led by the Divisional Police Officer, Dukku, resulted in the arrest of a suspected notorious kidnapper, identified as 30-year-old Manu Alhaji Sani, alias “M”, of Wawa Village, Funakaye Local Government Area.
Police said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect confessed to participating in several kidnapping operations across Dukku, Kwami and Funakaye Local Government Areas, allegedly in collaboration with other members of his syndicate who remain at large.
Following his arrest and alleged confession, the security team intensified its search and clearance operations in the surrounding areas.
The sustained pressure reportedly forced members of the criminal syndicate to abandon three abducted victims, who were subsequently rescued.
The victims were identified as Hauwa Alhaji Sani, 44; Aishatu Alhaji Sani, 16; and two-year-old Umaru Alhaji Sani, all residents of Jonde Village in Dukku Local Government Area.
The operation also led to the recovery of a Honda motorcycle with registration number BBB 29 UT and three keypad mobile phones.
The Police Command said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the syndicate and dismantle the criminal network.
In a separate operation the same day, operatives of the Safer Highway Patrol, working with Operation Hattara and stationed along the Liji–Biu Road, intercepted a blue Peugeot 406 with registration number YDB 48 FL following credible intelligence.
The operatives arrested a 37-year-old suspect, Mohammed Abdullahi, alias “Babangida”, of Bomala Quarters, Gombe.
A search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered 2,500 sachets of 100mg Tramadol capsules.
The suspect and recovered exhibits are currently in police custody as investigation continues.
The Command commended the security personnel involved in the operations for their collaboration, vigilance, courage and swift response to intelligence.
The Commissioner of Police, Gombe State Command, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining proactive and intelligence-driven operations against kidnapping, banditry, illicit drug trafficking and other forms of criminality across the state.
The Command also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information on suspicious activities to the nearest police formation or through its emergency contacts.
