Renewed Crime-Fighting Efforts in Adamawa Yield Success with Arrest of Notorious "Shilla Boys" Gang
The Adamawa State Police Command has achieved a significant victory in its ongoing war against crime with the apprehension of a notorious three-man gang known as the "Shilla Boys." This arrest marks a turning point in the fight against criminal activities in the state, particularly in the capital city of Yola. The gang, which had been operating with impunity, had become a major source of concern for residents and law enforcement alike. Their activities ranged from petty theft to armed robbery, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity in the affected communities. The successful operation is a testament to the renewed commitment of the Adamawa State Police Command to tackle crime and ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens.
The arrest of the Shilla Boys members followed a series of targeted operations carried out by the police based on intelligence gathering and proactive policing strategies. The command’s spokesman, CSP Suleiman Ngoruje, revealed that the suspects had been on the police wanted list for their involvement in several criminal activities within the Yola North Local Government Area. Their apprehension is a significant breakthrough in the effort to dismantle criminal networks operating in the state and restore peace and order to the affected communities. The police have assured the public of their commitment to sustaining the momentum and bringing all perpetrators of criminal acts to justice.
The three suspects apprehended by the police have been identified as Zaiyat Abubakar, 29 years old; Hassan Buhari, 19 years old; and Suleiman S Suleiman, 27 years old. All three are residents of the Yola North Local Government Area, the same area where they carried out their criminal activities. This suggests a localized operation, with the gang focusing on their familiar surroundings. Their familiarity with the area may have provided them with a sense of anonymity and an advantage in evading law enforcement. However, the police’s intensified efforts and improved intelligence gathering ultimately led to their capture. The arrest is expected to disrupt the gang’s operations and significantly reduce criminal activities in the affected area.
The police have attributed their success in apprehending the Shilla Boys to the reactivation of standard operational procedures and a renewed focus on combating gang activities and promoting responsible behavior among youth in the state. CSP Ngoruje emphasized that the command’s proactive approach, which includes enhanced patrols, intelligence gathering, and community engagement, played a crucial role in identifying and apprehending the suspects. This proactive strategy is part of a broader effort to address the root causes of crime and create a safer environment for all residents. The police have called on the community to continue cooperating with law enforcement by providing timely information that can assist in apprehending criminals and maintaining peace and security.
The Shilla Boys’ criminal activities, as detailed by the police, included a break-in on November 28, 2024, at the residence of Bapetel Jidda, where they robbed family members of their belongings using offensive weapons. This incident highlights the violent nature of the gang and the threat they posed to the community. In another incident, on December 4, 2024, the same gang targeted a shop located in the same area, making off with valuable items. These incidents demonstrate a pattern of criminal behavior, suggesting that the gang was actively involved in a series of robberies in the area. The recovery of stolen items further strengthens the case against the suspects and provides evidence of their criminal activities.
Following the arrests, a search operation led to the recovery of several stolen items, including television sets, standing fans, stabilizers, a refrigerator, and a rock carpet. These recovered items provide crucial evidence linking the suspects to the reported robberies. The recovery of these items will not only assist in the prosecution of the suspects but also provides some measure of restitution for the victims of the robberies. The police are continuing their investigation to determine the full extent of the gang’s criminal activities and identify any other individuals who may have been involved. The investigation will focus on tracing the recovered items to their rightful owners and gathering additional evidence to support the charges against the suspects. The police have appealed to anyone with information related to the gang’s activities to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.
