Two suspects caught, one on the run after phone theft in Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Command has caught two suspects linked to a robbery where thieves stole mobile phones and other valuables worth millions of naira from people living in a compound with Cozy Resort Hotel in Birshi Gandu, Bauchi State.

A statement from the police spokesperson, Nafiu Habib, on Sunday revealed that the suspects, Abdulshakur Adamu, 20, also known as Dan Oga from Jahun, and Rabiu Usman, 21, from Sabon Layi, Bauchi, were arrested in a joint operation with police officers and community members.

The police reported that three thieves, armed with knives and machetes, broke into the compound while the victims were sleeping and took their belongings.

On October 17, 2026, four people, including two men and two women, reported the robbery to the E Division police station. The victims, all from Birshi Gandu, lost several electronic devices and other valuables like Samsung Galaxy S22 and S23 phones, a Redmi Note 14, iPhones, iPads, a Lenovo laptop, a Samsung tablet, power banks, AirPods, office identity cards, and a driver’s licence.

Habib noted that the arrests happened thanks to the quick action of E Division operatives and community members who tracked one of the stolen phones and caught the suspects.

“Following the report, and in a quick response supported by operatives of E Division Yelwa and the brave community members who tracked one of the stolen phones, the suspects were caught,” the statement said.

The suspects reportedly confessed during questioning and named another accomplice, Kabiru, also known as KB, from Birshi Gandu, who is still on the run.

“Upon questioning, the suspects admitted to the crime and mentioned that they teamed up with one Kabiru, a.k.a. KB, from Birshi Gandu, who is currently on the run, to carry out the robbery,” Habib stated.

The police said a search during the operation led to the recovery of three smartphones, two power banks, a headphone, and a USB cable from the suspects. The victims recognized the recovered items, and a sharp knife was also taken as evidence.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered that the case be sent to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough investigation.

The police said the investigation will aim to catch the suspect who is still running away, recover the remaining stolen items, and ensure that those guilty are prosecuted.

Aliyu praised the victims and community members for their help and said the incident showed the importance of community policing.

The command urged residents to keep giving reliable and timely information to security agencies, assuring them of its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.