The Gombe State Police Command has arrested 44 suspected criminals during coordinated raids on identified black spots and criminal hideouts across Gombe metropolis as part of efforts to curb thuggery, drug abuse and other violent crimes.
The Commissioner of Police, Umar Chuso, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, saying the operation formed part of the Command’s proactive crime prevention strategy.
According to him, the Command has also inaugurated the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) to sensitise residents, particularly young people, against cultism, drug abuse and other criminal activities.
“In line with the vision and mission of the Inspector-General of Police on intelligence-led and community-oriented policing, the Gombe State Police Command has implemented proactive measures to combat thuggery, drug abuse and other social vices across the state,” Chuso said.
He added, “The Command has officially flagged off the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) to embark on public sensitisation and outreach against thuggery, drug abuse and other criminal behaviours, particularly in our educational institutions and communities, to promote responsible citizenship and prevent crime.”
The police commissioner said a major raid conducted on Tuesday evening yielded significant results.
“In a bid to combat the menace of drug abuse and thuggery, on July 7, 2026, at about 6:30 p.m., coordinated joint raid operations targeting identified black spots and criminal hideouts were carried out within Gombe metropolis. During the operations, 44 suspects were arrested, some of whom were found in possession of offensive weapons, Indian hemp and other intoxicants,” he said.
Chuso noted that investigations were ongoing and assured that all suspects found culpable would be prosecuted.
He also urged residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information, stressing that effective policing requires active community participation and intelligence sharing.
