The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested five suspects linked to motorcycle theft and cannabis trafficking in separate operations across the state capital.

Police spokesperson, SP Ahmed Wakil, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Thursday, noting that the operations were based on intelligence ordered by the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu.

In the first operation, officers from A Division acted on a tip-off about a motorcycle theft ring in Bakaro, Bauchi metropolis. A swift sting operation led to the arrest of Abdulhamid Auwal (20), also known as Wala, and Aliyu Rabiu (20), alias Hitler.

The duo confessed to breaking into the home of one Baba Karami in Unguwar Sarkin Kofa, where they stole a Bajaj motorcycle.

 Investigations revealed that the motorcycle was dismantled, packed in a sack, and sold. Police say the gang had been responsible for multiple thefts in the area, with two other suspects, Mahmood Mahmood (alias Ankula) and Ganiya, also linked to the syndicate.

In a separate raid, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), led by SP Suleiman Tambuwal, arrested three young men — Hussaini Lawal (20), Baba Sadiq Ibrahim (18), and Wada Yusuf (21) — on August 23 at the Asorock Mountain axis of Wuntin Dada. They were caught inside an abandoned building while distributing dried leaves suspected to be cannabis sativa.

Recovered items included half a block of cannabis, knives, scissors, several lighters, shredded tobacco, and a makeshift bunker. One of the suspects, Lawal, admitted to dealing in cannabis for over a year and gave up the names of his accomplices.

SP Wakil assured that all suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. He added that CP Aliyu has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to eradicating crime and ensuring safety in Bauchi State.