The Gombe State Police Command has recovered two stolen vehicles and a locally made pistol from suspects in separate operations across the state.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, and made available to journalists on Friday.
According to the statement, the Command under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Yahaya, recorded “three notable breakthroughs” in its continued efforts to rid the state of crime and criminal activities.
He said, “The Command under the leadership of CP Bello Yahaya, wish to inform the general public of three notable breakthroughs recorded by the Command in its continuous efforts to rid the State of crime and criminal elements.”
“On 13th October, 2025 at about 1300hrs, a Patrol team of Balanga Division, while on routine patrol along Bangu–Laura feeder road, received credible intelligence about a black Toyota Jeep with registration number ABUJA ABC 241 DW, conveying three male occupants under suspicious circumstances.”
He added that, “Upon sighting the Police, the occupants of the said vehicle sped off. During an effort to intercept them, the Police Patrol vehicle developed a flat tyre. Two Officers continued the chase on a motorcycle, and upon reaching Laura Village, the said Jeep also had a flat tyre.”
“As the officers approached, an altercation ensued during which one of the suspects struck a Police Constable on his left hand with a pestle before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle, abandoning the vehicle.”
“During a thorough search of the abandoned vehicle, two sets of Lexus vehicle particulars were recovered, raising suspicion about the true identity of the vehicle.
“The vehicle was towed to the station for safe custody and detailed examination. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the vehicle was originally a Lexus Jeep (grey colour) but had been repainted black and modified to appear as a Toyota Prado Jeep,” Buhari Abdullahi added.
He explained that as the officers approached, an altercation ensued, during which one of the suspects struck a police constable on the hand with a pestle before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle, abandoning the vehicle.
In a separate incident on October 15, 2025, at about 10:30 p.m., the Gombe Division received a complaint that a Honda Civic (ash colour, registration number DKU 564 AA) parked at Central Roundabout, Gombe, had been stolen.
Detectives immediately swung into action, leading to the arrest of Sani Bappari, 45, of Mallam Inna Quarters, Gombe. The stolen vehicle was recovered in his possession and secured as an exhibit.
Also, on October 14, 2025, at about 2:00 p.m., a resident of Bolari Quarters reported that a misunderstanding with a man identified as Augustine Nkwakoye, of the same area, turned violent when the suspect allegedly brandished a locally made pistol and threatened to shoot him.
Abdullahi said the suspect was disarmed by a customer at the scene, after which detectives searched his home and recovered the locally made pistol and one cartridge, which were recorded as exhibits. The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
CP Bello Yahaya commended the officers for their professionalism and swift response, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state.
He also urged residents to remain law-abiding and to promptly report any suspicious persons or movements to the nearest police station.
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