The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 35 year old man over the alleged theft of roofing materials worth N2.26 million and recovered the stolen items during an intelligence driven operation in Azare, Katagum Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed in a statement on Thursday that the breakthrough followed a complaint lodged by a shop owner, who reported that unknown persons had broken into his business premises along Kano Road in Azare.
According to Habib, the complainant discovered that the suspects allegedly gained access to the shop with a master key before making away with 460 metres of Stonecut roofing sheets valued at N2.26 million.
He said detectives attached to the Azare Police Division immediately launched an investigation and, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted the stolen roofing sheets along the Azare Jama’are Road.
The police spokesperson identified the arrested suspect as Muktari Rufa’i, 35, adding that the recovered materials had been secured as exhibits.
Habib said the suspect allegedly confessed during interrogation and identified one Evra Pizo as an accomplice in the theft.
He added that the alleged accomplice is currently at large, while efforts are ongoing to track and arrest him.
According to the statement, the suspect remains in police custody at the Azare Police Division, while the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Bauchi for further investigation and prosecution.
Commending the officers for the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police, Sani Omolori Aliyu, praised the Divisional Police Officer and personnel of the Azare Division for their swift response.
He also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to strengthen the fight against crime across the state.