The Yobe State Police Command has issued a security alert over the suspected activities of criminals disguising themselves in Damaturu and other communities across the state.
The Command said the suspects reportedly pose as petty traders and Internet service providers, moving from one community to another while pushing wheelbarrows.
The Spokesperson for the Command, Superintendent of Police (SP) Dungus Abdulkarim, yesterday in Damaturu said: “The police command wishes to urgently sensitise members of the public on the need to always remain vigilant and security conscious, following intelligence reports indicating that some criminal elements may attempt to disguise themselves as petty traders and Internet service providers moving from community to community in the state.
“These suspected individuals may present themselves under the pretence of selling perfumes commonly known as “Mai Tolare,” nail cutters, pushing hand trucks, or even begging while moving from ward to ward, going to houses, offices, markets, and other public places.”
Abdulkarim cautioned that such disguises could be used to observe communities and identify weak spots for possible attacks and house break-ins in targeted locations.
The Command therefore advised residents in affected communities to remain cautious of unfamiliar individuals loitering around residential neighbourhoods, places of worship, markets, public institutions, social gatherings, and other crowded locations across the state.
However, reports also indicate that some of the suspected individuals may use tricycles as a means of transportation and often appear neat and properly dressed to avoid drawing suspicion from members of the public.
Abdulkarim also advised residents not to panic but to remain alert and quickly report any suspicious persons, unusual movements, or activities within their communities to the nearest police station or other security agencies.
He further encouraged community leaders, market associations, transport unions, and religious leaders to sensitise their members and cooperate with security agencies, noting that timely and credible information will help prevent potential security threats.
The Police Commissioner, Emmanuel Ado, assured residents of the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urged citizens to support security agencies in maintaining peace and safety across the state.
