The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested four suspected armed robbers who have allegedly been terrorising residents of the Bauchi metropolis. Their arrest came after one of them, in a moment of carelessness, left his mobile phone behind at the scene of a robbery.
According to the command’s spokesperson, CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, the suspects were apprehended after detectives used the abandoned phone to trace and identify members of the gang. The suspects have been linked to several late-night robberies around the Vehicle Inspection Office area, along Jos Road in Bauchi.
The suspects have been identified as Alhassan Jibrin (20), also known as Babani Biri, Lawan Adamu, Lawan Idris, and Muhammad Yau, popularly called Madugu.
The police said the breakthrough came after a distress call was received from a resident, Mr. Everest Jonathan, who reported that his home was attacked by armed robbers at about 2:10 a.m. on November 11, 2025.
Jonathan, who lives near the Vehicle Inspection Office along Jos Road, said the hoodlums broke into his residence and stole several items, including an Android smartphone, a keypad phone, two pairs of sneakers, clothes, and a travelling bag containing personal effects.
“Upon receiving the report at about 3:40 a.m., detectives led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Holman Simon, promptly visited the scene, assessed the situation, and launched an investigation,” CSP Wakil said in a statement.
During the inspection, officers discovered a mobile phone that none of the residents could identify as theirs. This clue turned out to be the major lead that helped the police track down the criminals.
“Through technical analysis, it was discovered that the phone belonged to one Alhassan Jibrin of Danjuma Goje area. His carelessness became the key that unlocked the entire case,” Wakil said.
Following the discovery, police operatives swung into action and arrested Alhassan Jibrin. During interrogation, Jibrin reportedly confessed to the crime and gave useful information that led to the arrest of his accomplices — Lawan Adamu, Lawan Idris, and Muhammad Yau (Madugu).
The suspects, according to the police, admitted to organizing several late-night robberies around the area, targeting homes and pedestrians.
Items recovered from the gang included:
One travelling bag
Two sets of clothing
Two pairs of sneakers
Two cutlasses
One Android phone
One keypad phone
Two torchlights
The police say the gang had been operating for months, using simple weapons like machetes to intimidate residents before carting away valuables.
CSP Wakil stated that while four members of the gang have been arrested, others are still on the run.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further discreet investigation. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other gang members who fled after the operation,” Wakil added.
He assured the public that the police will not relent in their efforts to make Bauchi safe for all residents, stressing that crime prevention remains one of the command’s top priorities.
Residents of the affected area have expressed relief following the arrest of the suspects, describing the police response as timely and effective.
Some residents said they had been living in fear over the past few months due to frequent cases of burglary and night attacks in the neighbourhood.
A local shop owner, who identified himself simply as Musa, said, “Those boys have been disturbing us. They usually move in groups at night, carrying cutlasses and torchlights. Sometimes they break into shops or houses when people are asleep. We thank the police for catching them.”
Another resident, Mrs. Sarah Williams, urged the police to ensure that the suspects are prosecuted, saying that justice would serve as a warning to others who may want to engage in similar crimes.
Bauchi State, like many other parts of northern Nigeria, has faced an increase in petty crimes, including burglary, phone snatching, and motorcycle thefts. The situation has been worsened by rising unemployment and economic hardship, which have pushed some young people into crime.
The Bauchi State Police Command, under CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has intensified patrols and intelligence gathering to curb the situation. In recent months, the command has arrested several gangs involved in armed robbery, cultism, and drug-related crimes.
Earlier in 2025, the police also launched a campaign encouraging residents to report suspicious movements in their communities. The command said such collaboration between the public and law enforcement remains crucial for effective crime prevention.
In his statement, CSP Wakil advised young people to stay away from criminal activities, warning that the law will catch up with anyone who engages in robbery or violence.
He said the command is working closely with community leaders to create awareness about the dangers of crime and to promote peace across the state.
“The Bauchi State Police Command wants to remind the public that crime does not pay. Every suspect will eventually be caught. We encourage our youths to channel their energy into productive ventures and avoid illegal activities,” Wakil said.
The case has sparked discussions on social media, with many Nigerians reacting humorously to the suspect’s mistake of leaving his phone at the scene. While some described it as “a thief’s worst error,” others commended the police for their swift response and use of technology to track down the culprits.
