The Yobe State Police Command has apprehended a suspected bandits’ kingpin believed to be behind a robbery attack in Ngalda, Fika Local Government Area.
The spokesperson for the command, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Tuesday in Damaturu. According to him, a locally made pistol and three cartridges were recovered during the operation.
The arrest followed a deadly attack at Ngalda Market on Monday, allegedly masterminded by the suspect. The assault claimed seven lives, injured 11 people, and saw the robbers cart away N16.5 million.
“On January 20, 2025, at approximately 9:00 PM, six armed robbers attacked three shops at Ngalda Market. The robbers killed seven people, injured 11 others, and escaped with approximately N16.5 million,” Abdulkarim stated.
He noted that irate youths in the area had mobilized, killing three of the attackers, while three others fled with injuries.
The victims and the deceased were evacuated to the General Hospital in Fika for medical treatment and autopsy.
Meanwhile, Yobe Commissioner of Police, Garba Ahmed, has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. He directed officers to apprehend the fleeing suspects and called on the public to assist with credible information.