Police arrest 44 suspects in Gombe raid

The Gombe State Police Command says it has arrested 44 suspected criminals during its raids on known criminal hideouts across Gombe metropolis.

The operation was carried out as part of efforts to tackle thuggery, drug abuse and other violent crimes in the state.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, the Commissioner of Police, Umar Chuso, said the raids were part of the command’s crime prevention strategy.

He also announced the launch of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), a programme aimed at educating residents, especially young people about the dangers of cultism, drug abuse and other criminal activities.

According to Chuso, the initiative follows the vision of the Inspector-General of Police to strengthen intelligence-led and community-based policing.

He said the campaign would focus on schools and communities to encourage responsible behaviour and reduce crime.

The police commissioner explained that the major operation took place on Tuesday evening when security operatives raided several identified criminal hideouts in Gombe metropolis.

“In a bid to combat the menace of drug abuse and thuggery, on July 7, 2026, at about 6:30 p.m., coordinated joint raid operations targeting identified black spots and criminal hideouts were carried out within Gombe metropolis. During the operations, 44 suspects were arrested, some of whom were found in possession of offensive weapons, Indian hemp and other intoxicants,” the CP pointed out.

He said the operation led to the arrest of 44 suspects, some of whom were allegedly found with dangerous weapons, Indian hemp and other intoxicating substances.

Chuso said investigations are ongoing and assured residents that anyone found guilty would be charged in court.

He also appealed to members of the public to support security agencies by providing useful and timely information, saying community cooperation is important in fighting crime.