The Borno State Police Command has apprehended 21 individuals involved in drug dealing and abuse across various Maiduguri communities.
One of the arrests occurred during a routine stop-and-search operation conducted by the GRA patrol team at Jiddari Junction.
Bello Abubakar, a resident of Kusherri, was found transporting Tramadol Capsules BP 50mg concealed within two sacks.
Following the arrest, two accomplices of Abubakar approached the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) with a N400,000 bribe in exchange for Abubakar’s release and the drugs.
However, SP Alhaji Waziri Garba, the DPO of the GRA, rejected the bribe and apprehended the two individuals.
They have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
Haruna Zagwa, the owner of the drugs, confirmed the DPO’s refusal to accept the bribe.
In an interview with YERWA EXPRESS NEWS, Zagwa stated that, ‘We approached him with the cash, but he refused, stating that the drugs were harmful and that we had committed an offense,’
Bello Abubakar, claiming to be a Keke Napep rider, denied involvement in drug dealing.
He claimed he was only asked to transport the sacks without knowing their contents.
‘I was unaware of what was inside until the police searched the bags,’ Abubakar said.
ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, the state command’s spokesperson, announced that the suspects would be charged in court immediately after the press briefing.
He emphasized the command’s commitment to combating criminal activity and urged Borno residents to report any suspicious activities to the following emergency numbers: 08068075581 and 08023473293.