Police Arrest 2 ‘Sara-Suka’ Suspects, Vow Crackdown On Thuggery

Bauchi State Police Command has restored normalcy in Bauchi metropolis following two separate disturbances allegedly involving “Sara-Suka” thugs, with two suspects arrested in connection with the incidents.

The command’s public relations officer, SP Nafiu Habib, said the first incident occurred on Sunday night, when the police received a distress call reporting that a large number of “Sara-Suka ” (urchins} youths had invaded the Wayan Makafi and Unguwan Kur areas, causing panic among the residents.

He said a patrol team attached to the ‘D’ Division, Dutsen Tanshi, in collaboration with members of the Yan Committee, promptly mobilised to the affected areas.

In a press statement yesterday, he said the operatives dispersed the suspected thugs and prevented a further breakdown of law and order.

Habib, however, said a member of the Yan Committee sustained injuries while assisting in restoring peace in the community.

He said the injured vigilante was receiving medical attention and was in stable condition.

The police spokesperson added that one suspect was arrested at the scene, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend others who fled.

In a related development, the Command said it received information on Sunday that suspected thugs armed with dangerous weapons had stormed the residence of a Peace Corps personnel in the Kofar Dumi area of Bauchi, allegedly intending to attack him.

Acting on the information, Police operatives attached to the ‘A’ Division, Township, swiftly moved to the scene and arrested a 25-year-old suspect, Abubakar Adamu Aliyu, popularly known as Zadous, whom the Command described as a notorious Sara-Suka kingpin.

The statement alleged that the suspect had previously been charged in court by the same police division over thuggery-related activities and regained his freedom last week.

It further alleged that he returned on a revenge mission against the Peace Corps personnel, who had reportedly alerted the police to his activities about seven months ago.

Habib said the suspect remained in police custody, adding that investigations were ongoing and he would be charged in court upon their conclusion.

The Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, commended the swift response of the operatives and their collaboration with quasi-security outfits.

He warned that the Command would not tolerate thuggery, public disturbances or Sara-Suka activities under any guise.

The commissioner also directed sustained patrols, surveillance and intelligence-led operations to maintain peace and security across the state.

He urged parents, guardians and community leaders to caution their wards against criminal activities and to continue supporting the police by providing timely and credible information.