Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested 11 suspected members of the dreaded Shilla gang, a group known for violent attacks, gangsterism, armed robbery and the sale and consumption of hard drugs. The arrests, which took place on May 31, 2026, followed a coordinated intelligence‑led raid across Yola North and Yola South Local Government Areas. The operation, led by operatives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and other tactical units, was carried out under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Kabir Umar Hassan. The raid targeted criminal hideouts and hotspots within the Jimeta and Yola metropolis, which had become safe havens for gang‑related activities.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, the suspects were linked to acts of gangsterism, violent attacks, unlawful possession of dangerous weapons, as well as the consumption and distribution of illicit drugs. The suspects, all male and aged between 18 and 36, were identified as Aliyu Idris (18), Mukhtar Abubakar (28), Amir Dan Asabe (23), Joel Timothy (23), Isaac Isah (26), Hassan Salisu (19), Nyon Ayuba (32), Saidu Musa (22), Adamu Yau (20), Adamu Muhammed (36), and Nasiru Bala (20). Police said the suspects were apprehended at various criminal flashpoints within Jimeta and Yola South.
During the operation, officers recovered a cache of dangerous weapons, including knives, daggers, machetes, and cutlasses, all allegedly used in the commission of criminal activities. Additionally, illicit drugs were seized, reinforcing the gang’s involvement in the sale and consumption of prohibited substances. The Commissioner of Police, Kabir Umar Hassan, commended the operatives for the successful operation and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to eliminating gangsterism, thuggery, and other violent crimes across the state. He warned criminal elements to abandon their unlawful activities or face the full force of the law, stressing that the command remains determined to ensure the safety and security of residents.
The Shilla gang has been a recurring security challenge in Adamawa State, particularly in the state capital, Yola, and its environs. The group, which emerged around 2015, initially targeted opposition party members but has since evolved into a full‑scale criminal enterprise involved in armed robbery, house‑to‑house break‑ins, and street violence. The Shilla Boys have been linked to the use of offensive weapons and the proliferation of hard drugs among youths. In response to growing public concern, the police have intensified security operations across Yola, Jimeta, and surrounding communities, with increased day and night patrols, stop‑and‑search exercises, and enhanced monitoring of identified black spots.
Following the completion of investigations, the 11 suspects were arraigned before a competent court for prosecution. The court subsequently ordered their remand in a correctional custodial centre pending further legal proceedings. The police command also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting law enforcement efforts by providing timely and credible information on suspicious individuals and activities within their communities. The arrest is the latest in a series of operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks in Adamawa State, which has seen an uptick in gang‑related violence over the past year. Police have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that such individuals are brought to justice, while urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.
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