Borno Police recover 41 mobile phones, suspected illicit drugs worth ₦6.5m

Crime Diary

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (NPA) — The Borno State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing operations against crime and criminality, recovering 41 mobile phones and a large quantity of substances suspected to be Tramadol and Indian hemp.

The items were recovered during intelligence-led operations carried out by operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), also known as the Crack Squad.

According to a statement issued on September 9, 2026, by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, the suspected illicit drugs recovered were valued at about ₦6.5 million.

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Police arrest two suspects with suspected Tramadol, Indian hemp

On August 30, 2026, at about 2:23 p.m., operatives of the Crack Squad, acting on credible intelligence, arrested two suspects at the Baga Road Motor Park area of Maiduguri.

The suspects were allegedly intercepted with 48 sachets of Tramadol and four blocks of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, with an estimated value of ₦550,000.

Police said the suspects were allegedly attempting to waybill the substances to Baga Local Government Area.

The suspects and exhibits are currently undergoing investigation, after which the suspects will be charged to court.

Police recover 124 blocks of suspected Indian hemp

On June 18, 2026, at about 1:00 a.m., operatives of the Crack Squad, acting on credible intelligence, raided an abandoned building in the Ngaranam area of Maiduguri.

No suspect was found at the scene, but the operatives recovered 124 blocks of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, with an estimated value of about ₦6 million.

The Command said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the suspect or suspects linked to the recovered substances, while investigation continues.

Suspect arrested, 41 mobile phones recovered

On August 30, 2026, at about 7:30 a.m., the Crack Squad commenced an investigation following a complaint over missing Samsung and iPhone mobile phones.

The investigation led operatives to the residence of one Baba Isa Yerima in the Kwanan Yobe area of Maiduguri.

A search of the residence resulted in the recovery of 39 additional mobile phones, bringing the total number of recovered phones to 41, with an estimated value of approximately ₦25 million.

During preliminary investigation, the suspect allegedly confessed to stealing the mobile phones from different locations.

The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue, while efforts are also being made to arrest other persons allegedly connected to the case.

The Command said the case would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.

The Borno State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining public safety across the state.

The Command urged residents to remain vigilant and security-conscious and to promptly report suspicious activities to the police or other appropriate security agencies.

Members of the public who believe their mobile phones may be among those recovered were advised to approach the Borno State Police Command with valid proof of ownership.

The Command also assured residents that intelligence-led policing, sustained patrols, proactive investigations and collaboration with communities would continue to be strengthened in efforts to make Borno safer.