The Borno State Police Command has made significant strides in combatting criminal activities, apprehending a female serial phone snatcher among 84 other suspects involved in various offenses. Fatima Abacha, known as Bintu, was nabbed alongside an array of alleged criminals in the state.
The crimes range from criminal conspiracy, rape, and homicide to armed robbery, theft, forgery, possession of dangerous weapons, and possession of illegal substances like Indian hemp. These activities reportedly occurred between October 1st and December 31st, 2023.
Speaking at the parade of suspects in Maiduguri on Thursday, Police Public Relations Officer ASP Daso Nahum disclosed that out of 49 cases recorded, 27 suspects have been convicted, 14 cases are under investigation, and 31 others have been charged in court.
Bintu, residing in Shehuri South, Maiduguri, was apprehended on December 28th, 2023, following her involvement in multiple mobile phone thefts. During the investigation, she exposed her accomplice, Mohammed Isa, from Babban Layi, also in Maiduguri.
Nahum highlighted the syndicate’s modus operandi, revealing their tactic of infiltrating homes as domestic help and stealing mobile phones from unsuspecting owners. Recovering a Techno LC6 phone as evidence, the police are pursuing other potential receivers linked to the crimes.
Furthermore, on December 31st, 2023, four suspects were arrested for alleged criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, possession of weapons, and Indian hemp. Items seized included suspected Indian hemp, a sword, intoxicant inhalation paraphernalia, a stick, and five mobile phones.
Among these arrests, the police revealed that one suspect confessed to acquiring a locally made pistol from a village in Yobe State, with efforts underway to apprehend the source.
Moreover, during the Christmas and New Year festive season, the command apprehended 8 suspected members of a Malian gang in various raids across Mairi, Fori, Tashan Bama, and Gwange, targeting suspected criminal hideouts.
