The Yobe State Police Command has arrested five people suspected of stealing and damaging railway materials in the state.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, in a statement, said the suspects were arrested during a joint operation by police officers and members of the Hunters Group.
He said the suspects were caught in the Nannawaji area of Gujba Local Government Area while transporting railway steel sleepers to Potiskum.
The police explained that the suspects were intercepted in a Mitsubishi Canter vehicle with registration number YAB-234YJ (Abuja). The vehicle was loaded with 85 railway steel sleepers believed to have been removed illegally from railway installations.
The arrested persons include Abdullahi Habu (27) from Potiskum; Abba Muhammed (18) and Salisu Adamu (20) from Buni Yadi in Gujba LGA; Isiyaku Adamu (20) from Potiskum; and Muhammed Muhammadu (23) from Kukareta in Damaturu LGA.
During questioning, the suspects reportedly said that the main person behind the theft is one Abba Chari, aged 45, from Yadin Buni in Gujba LGA.
Police said they are still working to arrest other people involved in the crime network.
The Command confirmed that the suspects and the 85 stolen railway sleepers are now in police custody as investigations continue.
Yobe State Commissioner of Police, CP Usman Kanfani Jibrin, warned people to stay away from vandalising public property, saying anyone caught will face the law.
He also assured residents that the police will continue to protect public infrastructure across the state.
