Fear Grips Yola as Police Arrest Five ‘Shilla Boys’, Recover Five Cutlasses
Fear and concern in parts of Yola, Adamawa State, have heightened following the arrest of five young men suspected of belonging to a group popularly known as “Shilla Boys” and allegedly linked to robbery attacks in the Kofare Community.
The Adamawa State Police Command said the suspects were arrested over their alleged involvement in criminal activities around the Kofare Masallaci Biyu axis of Yola South Local Government Area.
The suspects, all aged between 18 and 23, were reportedly apprehended in the early hours of Tuesday, September 1, 2026, following intelligence gathered by the Police in connection with a recent robbery incident in the area.
Global Mirror News gathered that the operation was carried out by a tactical team attached to the Kofare Divisional Police Headquarters, with assistance from members of the Local Community.
The collaboration between the Police and residents reportedly enabled the tactical team to identify and apprehend the suspects believed to have been connected to the reported criminal activities.
In a statement issued to journalists, the Adamawa State Police Command’s spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Suleiman Nguroje, disclosed the identities of the five arrested suspects.
They were identified as Nura Aliyu, 20; Abubakar Adamu, 21; Abubakar Muhammed, 23; Abdulhameed Yusuf, 18; and Yusuf Husseini, 20.
The Command said all five suspects are residents of Kofare.
According to the Police, five cutlasses allegedly used in carrying out the robbery attacks were recovered from the suspects during the operation.
The recovery of the weapons is expected to form part of the evidence being examined by investigators as the command works to establish the suspects’ alleged roles in the reported criminal activities.
The arrest comes amid concerns over the activities of street gangs popularly referred to as “Shilla Boys” in parts of Adamawa State.
The group has become associated with youths allegedly involved in street violence, intimidation, robbery and other criminal activities, although membership of a group or the possession of weapons does not, by itself, establish an individual’s guilt.
The latest arrests are therefore being treated by the Police as part of an ongoing investigation rather than a final determination of the suspects’ culpability.
The Police Command said the five suspects would be subjected to further investigation to determine their level of involvement in the reported robbery and whether they may have connections to other criminal incidents in the area.
The Command also indicated that investigations would continue as security personnel work to gather additional information and identify other individuals who may be connected to the alleged offences.
For residents of Kofare and neighbouring Communities, the operation is expected to provide some reassurance following reports of criminal activities in the area.
The Police have continued to rely on intelligence gathering and community cooperation in their efforts to combat street crime and other security challenges across Adamawa State.
The Command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide useful information to security Agencies whenever they notice suspicious activities.
It also reiterated its commitment to protecting residents, maintaining law and order and taking appropriate action against individuals found to have violated the law.
Meanwhile, the five arrested suspects remain in Police custody pending the conclusion of investigations and any subsequent legal proceedings that may arise from the case.
The Police have not stated that the suspects have been convicted, and their alleged involvement in the robbery attacks remains subject to investigation and due legal process.
Global Mirror News gathered that the development underscores the continuing security concerns surrounding street-level criminal activities in some parts of Yola, while also highlighting the importance of cooperation between residents and security agencies in tackling crime.
