Police Arrest Hired Fighter in Gombe with Rifle, Ammunition After Two-Month Operation in Plateau

The Gombe State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old man, Joseph Babari, who confessed to being contracted to fight in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, Babari was intercepted on April 30, 2025, at about 11:30 p.m. by a police patrol team attached to the Pero-Chonge Division in Shongom LGA, near the Gombe-Taraba border. He was found in possession of a locally fabricated automatic rifle, eight live rounds of ammunition, a black combat vest, and a bundle of charms.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Babari was hired by an individual identified only as Isah, for a two-month combat operation in Bokkos. He reportedly received a payment of ₦180,000 for the assignment and was en route to Karim Lamido in Taraba State when he was apprehended.

“On the 30th of April, 2025, at about 2330hrs, a Police Patrol team attached to Pero-Chonge Division Shangom LGA while on Stop and search along the border between Gombe State and Taraba state successfully apprehended the above mentioned suspect and was found in unlawful possession of a locally fabricated automatic rifle, eight live rounds of ammunition, locally made black vest and bunch of Charms,” the statement read.

“During preliminary interrogation, the suspect disclosed that he was travelling from Maikatako, Bokkos LGA of Plateau State, with the intention of reaching Karim Lamido LGA of Taraba State.

“However, further investigation revealed that the suspect had been contracted as a fighter at the rate of one hundred and eighty thousand Naira (180,000) to operate in Bokkos LGA for a duration of two months by one Isah “M” whose surname remains unknown.

“The suspect is currently in police custody along with the recovered exhibits. Further investigation is ongoing to determine the source weapon.

“The Commissioner of Police, Gombe State Command, CP Bello Yahaya psc+ remains committed to maintaining peace, preventing the proliferation of illegal firearms, and ensuring the safety of all residents and urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest security agency.”