The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested five young men suspected of belonging to a notorious group known as “Shilla Boys” allegedly responsible for a series of robbery attacks in parts of Yola, the state capital.
The suspects, aged between 18 and 23, were apprehended in connection with alleged criminal activities around the Kofare Masallaci Biyu axis of Yola South Local Government Area.
The arrests were carried out in the early hours of Tuesday, September 1, following intelligence received by the police over a recent robbery incident reported in the Kofare area.
According to the command, operatives attached to the Kofare Divisional Police Headquarters, supported by members of the local community, conducted the operation that led to the arrest of the suspects.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Suleiman Nguroje, disclosed the development in a statement issued to journalists on Wednesday.
He identified the suspects as Nura Aliyu, 20; Abubakar Adamu, 21; Abubakar Muhammed, 23; Abdulhameed Yusuf, 18; and Yusuf Husseini, 20.
The police said all five suspects are residents of Kofare and are being investigated over their alleged involvement in robbery activities that have reportedly caused concern among residents of the area.
Five cutlasses allegedly used by the suspects in carrying out their criminal activities were also recovered during the operation, according to the command.
The police said the arrests formed part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal groups operating within the state and restore safety to communities affected by their activities.
The command assured residents that investigations would continue to establish the extent of the suspects’ involvement in the alleged offences and identify other persons who may be connected to the criminal network.