The Gombe State Police Command has launched the Police Campaign against Cultism and Other Vices, POCACOV, as part of efforts to curb cultism, thuggery, drug abuse and other criminal activities through sustained public sensitisation, particularly in schools and communities.
Briefing journalists in Gombe, the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, said the initiative formed part of the Command’s proactive approach to crime prevention and the promotion of responsible citizenship across the state.
The Commissioner said the Command had also recorded significant operational successes in tackling violent crime, cyber-related offences and traffic violations, while strengthening public safety through intelligence-led policing.
8-Man Criminal Syndicate Disarmed
Among the breakthroughs was the dismantling of an eight-member criminal syndicate, allegedly involved in armed robbery and internet fraud.
According to CP Chuso, the suspects were arrested following investigations into a robbery reported on June 7, 2026 by two residents of Wuro Birji in Akko Local Government Area of the state, whose mobile phones were stolen.
Investigators discovered that the syndicate used information obtained from the stolen phones to gain unauthorised access to the victims’ bank accounts, withdrawing ₦296, 790 and obtaining an additional ₦205,205 through an instant loan facility.
The investigation led to the arrest of the alleged ringleader, a 19-year-old student of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaltungo, whose confession resulted in the arrest of seven other members of the group.
The Gombe State Commissioner of Police said further investigations linked the syndicate to more than 13 similar incidents in Wuro Birji, Riyal, Bomala and Jauro Jatau communities, adding that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
National Road Traffic Regulations
The Command also intensified enforcement of the National Road Traffic Regulations by targeting vehicles with concealed, altered, defaced or missing registration number plates.
CP Chuso disclosed that since the commencement of the exercise on June 16, 121 vehicles had been impounded, while 114 offenders had been prosecuted for violating relevant traffic laws.
He urged motorists to ensure their vehicles are properly registered and that number plates remain clearly visible at all times.
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The Police Commissioner further announced the successful rescue of an eight-year-old boy who was abducted in Akko Local Government Area.
CP Chuso said the child, who went missing on June27, was rescued unharmed on June 30, following intelligence-led operations that led to the arrest of four suspects.
He said the victim had since been reunited with his family and that investigations would continue ahead of their prosecution.
Crime Prevention Measures
In another operation aimed at tackling drug abuse and thuggery, the Gombe State Command carried out coordinated raids on identified criminal hideouts across Gombe metropolis on July 7, 2026.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 44 suspects, some of whom were allegedly found in possession of offensive weapons, cannabis and other intoxicating substances.
Prosecuted After Investigations
He called on residents to continue supporting the Police and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information, stressing that effective security requires active community participation.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led and community-oriented policing to safeguard lives and property and maintain peace across Gombe State.
