By Zainab Kasim Ibrahim
The Bauchi State Police Command has apprehended a 31-year-old suspected serial criminal, Kabiru Bala, who is believed to be responsible for a string of thefts and vandalism across the state.
Bala, a resident of Darazo, was arrested following a complaint by Dr. Auwal Abdullahi from Gombe State, who reported a break-in at his lodge in Al-Umma village on July 20, 2025. The victim had parked his Peugeot 307 vehicle, with registration number ABJ-982NC, and lodged for the night. By the next morning, he discovered that the car’s windows had been smashed and valuables stolen.
Among the items stolen were N5 million in cash, a touchscreen laptop, and a Tecno Smart 17 model phone.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, the command said it launched an immediate investigation using technology-driven techniques, leading to the swift arrest of the suspect.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and revealed details of his long-standing criminal activities,” Wakil stated. “He admitted to vandalizing armoured cables in several areas including Alkaleri, Ningi, Darazo (Kari and Lanzai), and the Bauchi metropolis.”
The suspect disclosed that he had been selling the stolen cables at the rate of N10,000 per kilogram. In his latest deal, he sold six kilograms for N60,000. He also confessed to having been arrested eight times in the past and serving jail terms accordingly.
The recovered items include the stolen laptop and the Tecno smartphone. Police say the investigation is still ongoing as efforts are being intensified to track down other accomplices and buyers of the stolen items.
Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has directed that Bala be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.