The Borno State Police Command arrested 44 suspects for various crimes including drug possession, handset snatching, theft, and burglary.

Police Commissioner, CP Muhammad Lawan Yahaya, announced the arrests at a press briefing on Tuesday. He said the state has been peaceful recently, but there has been an increase in handset snatching and youth involvement in crime within Maiduguri.

To address this, the police launched a new operation called “Kam’ Dibi Frata” which means “Flush out criminals” in Hausa. The operation has led to the arrest of multiple suspects and the recovery of stolen items.

The Police arrested 22 suspects with various illegal drugs including D5 tablets, Indian hemp, tramadol, and suspicious substances. They also recovered money believed to be used in drug sales.

The command also conducted raids and patrols, arresting 14 suspects and recovering 11 stolen phones, two tricycles, and other items.

Three suspects were arrested for breaking into an NGO store and stealing food supplies. They confessed to the crime and will be charged to court.

The series of arrest also succeeded following a tip, police arrested a man with two stolen rams and two sheep. The suspect confessed to stealing the animals from Gubio village and will be prosecuted. The rightful owner of the livestock has been identified.

Attempted Keke Napep Theft: Four suspects were arrested by a police patrol team while trying to steal a tricycle. The suspects allegedly gave the tricycle rider a drink laced with quinidine syrup, causing him to lose consciousness. The case is still under investigation.

The Commissioner of Police reiterated the command’s commitment to public safety and urged residents to report any suspicious activity. He also advised tricycle passengers to be aware of their surroundings and the people they share rides with.