Borno Police Arrest 12 Suspects for Looting,Impersonation During Maiduguri Floods

• He attributed the success to the Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order
  

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The Borno State Police Command has apprehended 12 suspects in connection with various crimes, including looting public and private properties and impersonating flood victims during the recent flooding that affected 70 percent of Maiduguri and its environs.

Speaking on Thursday at the Command’s headquarters in Maiduguri, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, disclosed that the arrests were made possible through a collaborative effort between community members and other security agencies.

“The Borno State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Yusufu Mohammed Lawal, has recorded significant success in combating crime during the recent flood incident in Maiduguri. The Command has cracked down on individuals involved in criminal activities such as stealing personal properties, government palliatives, and impersonation,” ASP Daso said.

He attributed the success to the Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of residents and the protection of relief efforts by the state government.

Providing details of the arrests, ASP Daso noted that four suspects—Abubakar Usman (32), Mohammed Bukar (37), Ibrahim Abubakar (28), and Jamilu Mohammed (24), all residents of Gwange II in Maiduguri—were detained on September 29, 2024, after they were found pilfering relief items, including six bags of 25kg rice, six mats, six blankets, two cartons of macaroni, and three mosquito nets, from a distribution centre at Babagana Wakil Memorial Primary School.

Additionally, on September 27, another suspect, Mohammed Umar (25), was apprehended at the same distribution centre while in possession of a stolen food token. The suspect had allegedly posed as a flood victim using a stolen token card to access relief materials. He has since confessed to the crime and is currently under investigation.

ASP Daso reiterated the Command’s resolve to ensure that criminals do not take advantage of disaster situations to exploit vulnerable residents. He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.