The Plateau State Police Command says it has arrested 15 suspected criminals who were allegedly disguising themselves as commercial motorcyclists to perpetrate crimes across the state.
Gatekeepers News reports that acting on “credible intelligence” about the influx of criminal elements, police operatives raided multiple locations and apprehended suspects “who match the description of members of a notorious gang of criminals that infiltrated conventional commercial motorcyclists and cover their faces with masks while they operate,” according to a statement issued in Jos by the command’s spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Alfred Alabo.
Alabo said the operation remains ongoing and more arrests are expected. The suspects, he noted, are currently in custody undergoing interrogation and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The statement added:
“In line with the Plateau State Government’s efforts to restore peace and security in the state, a total ban was recently imposed on the operation and activities of commercial motorcyclists in the State. However, we have observed that some individuals are still flouting this order, thereby putting the lives of innocent citizens at risk.
“We wish to warn those who migrated from other States of the Federation to Plateau with ulterior motives to abort their evil plans and immediately leave the State, as the police have launched a massive manhunt for them. We will not hesitate to take the full wrath of the law against anyone found to be involved in any criminal activity.”
The Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, appealed to residents to support the police with timely and useful information.
“We assure you that your identity will be protected, and together, we can make Plateau State a safer place for all. The Plateau State Police Command is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of the State, and we will continue to work tirelessly to rid the State of criminal elements,” he said.
Meanwhile, in neighbouring Nasarawa State, the police command has announced a ban on the use, sale, possession, and distribution of fireworks, knockouts, and other explosive pyrotechnics.
In a statement, the command’s spokesperson, SP Ramhan Nansel, said the enforcement became necessary “to maintain public order, prevent panic, and deny criminal-minded elements any opportunity to exploit the sounds of explosive devices to perpetrate unlawful acts.”
The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, also directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Units, and the Intelligence Department to intensify patrols and surveillance to ensure compliance, warning that violators will “face the full weight of the law.”
