Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
Security operatives in northern Nigeria have arrested a 20-year-old man identified as Abdulkabiru Abdullahi over allegations of phone snatching and an attempted plot to incite religious violence in Jos, the administrative capital of Plateau State. The arrest was carried out by personnel of the Plateau State Police Command in collaboration with local youths and community leaders in Dilimi area of Jos-North Local Government Area. Authorities say the intervention prevented what could have escalated into a major communal disturbance in a region historically sensitive to ethno-religious tensions.
According to police statements, the suspect allegedly snatched a mobile phone from a victim and fled the scene. The victim immediately pursued him while raising alarm, attracting attention from residents within the neighbourhood. As the chase continued through the densely populated Dilimi community, the suspect reportedly brandished a knife and attempted to intimidate the pursuing victim. Investigators said Abdullahi then allegedly raised a false religious alarm, claiming the victim belonged to a different faith, a move authorities believe was intended to trigger mob reaction and provoke communal hostility.
Preliminary findings from the police indicated that the suspect’s strategy was designed to exploit existing religious fault lines in the community. Officers said the false alarm was part of an attempt to mobilise bystanders into a violent confrontation. Security analysts observing the incident explained that such tactics have historically been used by criminal elements in parts of Nigeria to conceal theft or assault by redirecting public anger toward perceived religious or ethnic identities. The command emphasised that the prompt response of residents played a crucial role in preventing violence.
Witnesses in the Dilimi neighbourhood reported that community youths quickly mobilised upon noticing the suspicious behaviour of the suspect and coordinated with police patrol teams stationed nearby. Local elders and the area councillor were also said to have intervened by urging residents not to respond to the false alarm. Community sources described the atmosphere during the incident as tense but controlled, noting that many residents resisted the temptation to react violently despite the provocative claims allegedly made by the suspect.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah, expressed appreciation for the conduct of Dilimi residents during the incident. The police chief said community cooperation demonstrated that sustained dialogue between law enforcement agencies and local stakeholders remains essential in maintaining peace across Plateau State. He referenced earlier meetings held between police authorities and community leaders in the area, during which stakeholders were urged to avoid actions that could divide residents along religious lines and instead treat criminal acts strictly as security matters rather than communal issues.
CP Ewah warned that any attempt to incite violence through manipulation of religious or ethnic sentiments would attract what he described as “zero tolerance” enforcement. He emphasised that security agencies were monitoring emerging threats linked to individuals or groups attempting to exploit social divisions for criminal purposes. The commissioner added that investigations were ongoing to determine whether the suspect acted alone or was part of a broader network engaged in similar activities across the city.
The police command further highlighted the importance of intelligence sharing between residents and security personnel. Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious behaviour promptly. Officials reiterated the message encouraging citizens to adopt the principle of “Say something when you see something,” arguing that early warning information has helped security agencies disrupt potential violence before it spreads. Several emergency contact numbers were released for residents wishing to report suspicious activity, including dedicated control room hotlines managed by the command.
Security experts note that Plateau State has experienced periods of communal unrest in past decades, particularly around Jos and surrounding communities where competition over resources, political representation, and religious identity has sometimes generated conflict. While the state has recorded relative stability in recent years compared to earlier periods of violence, security agencies continue to warn that isolated incidents could still be exploited by criminal actors seeking to destabilise the region.
Local civil society groups in Jos commended the behaviour of Dilimi residents during the arrest, describing it as an example of community resilience against manipulation. Some community representatives said the response demonstrated growing awareness among citizens about the dangers of mob justice and misinformation during moments of public tension. Analysts believe that strengthening trust between security agencies and communities will remain critical in preventing violence, particularly in urban neighbourhoods with diverse religious populations.
Investigators have placed the suspect in custody while continuing interrogation and forensic examination of evidence linked to the phone snatching allegation. Police officials said the suspect will face prosecution once investigations are completed. Authorities also indicated that efforts are underway to determine whether the knife allegedly used during the incident was carried with intent to commit further violent acts or was solely intended as a tool of intimidation during the escape attempt.
The Plateau State Police Command reassured residents that it remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state. Officials encouraged community members to continue supporting security operations through cooperation and information sharing. The command stressed that peaceful coexistence among Plateau State’s diverse communities remains a priority, warning that individuals attempting to disrupt harmony through crime or social provocation will be dealt with according to the law.
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