BY FAIZA JIBRIN, OCTOBER 3, 2024 | 11:35PM

The Borno State Police Command has made multiple arrests in connection with the theft of relief materials and other goods during the recent floods in Maiduguri, Jere and Mafa Local Government Areas of Borno State.

This was announced by ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, the command's spokesman, during a press briefing held on Thursday at the command's headquarter, Maiduguri.

According to him, four men - Abubakar Usman, 32, Mohammed Bukar, 37, Ibrahim Abubakar, 28, and Jamilu Mohammed, 24 - were arrested on September 29, 2024, in Gwange II, Maiduguri, after being caught with six bags of 25kg rice, six mats, six blankets, two cartons of macaroni, and three mosquito nets.

He said these items were meant for flood victims and were stolen from the Babagana Wakil Memorial Primary School relief distribution center.

'All four suspects have confessed and will face prosecution,' he added.

In another incident, 25-year-old Mohammed Umar was arrested on September 27, for impersonating a flood victim and using a stolen token card to collect relief items at the same distribution center.

Umar is currently under investigation after admitting to the crime.

Abdullahi Hamza, 19, was arrested on September 12, for looting office equipment from a flooded shop in the Post Office area.

Hamza was found with two desktop computers, two scanners, a printer, and other electronic equipment.

He confessed to the crime and is awaiting court proceedings.

Daso noted that joint police patrols in flood-affected areas, including Kasuwan Shanu, Muna, Malakiyari, and Alkome, led to further arrests.

Mustapha Jibrin, 28, was caught with a stolen mattress, while Mohammed Abdullahi, 20, was found with a Samsung iPad and a goat.

Other suspects were arrested with stolen household items, including rice and televisions.

Daso added that CP Yusufu M Lawal, the command commissioner of police commended the police force, security agencies, and community members for their collaboration in maintaining public safety.

He warned criminals to cease their activities, emphasizing that the command will not tolerate any actions compromising public safety during the current crisis.

The public is urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the police through designated emergency contact numbers.