From Salt to Cell: Bauchi Police Bust Major Diversion Ring
The Bauchi State Police Command continues to make notable strides in its internal security operations. Recently, the Command intercepted a consignment of diverted iodised salt and made multiple arrests in two separate operations.
Salt Diversion Interception
On 30th April 2025, at approximately 1700 hours, operatives from the Alkeleri Divisional Police Headquarters, acting on credible intelligence, conducted a stop-and-search operation. This resulted in the interception of a flatbed trailer (registration number: BAG 283 XF) transporting over 1,000 bags of 25kg refined iodised salt—valued at approximately ₦10,200,000.
Although the driver fled the scene, two individuals—Sadik Jidda (20 years old) from Borno State and Ibrahim Ahmad (19 years old) from Kaduna State—were arrested on board. Initial investigations reveal that both suspects were conductors informed by the absconding driver about their destination: Alkeleri, Bauchi State.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the driver and further unravel the circumstances surrounding this diversion.
Arrest of Suspected Impostor in Yankari Game Reserve
In a separate incident on the same day, at about 1600 hours, Jibrin Ali (28 years old) from Zandar, Niger Republic, was arrested in the Yankari Game Reserve, Alkeleri LGA. He was found impersonating military personnel and exhibiting suspicious behavior in an area with known bandit activity.
The arrest was made by detectives from the Alkeleri Division in collaboration with local security outfits during a routine patrol. The suspect resisted arrest and failed to give a satisfactory account of his presence in the forest, prompting further suspicion of his potential links to criminal elements.
Commendation and Further Action
The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, psc(+), mni, has commended the professionalism and commitment of the officers involved. He has directed the immediate transfer of both cases to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for in-depth investigation.
The Bauchi State Command reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of all residents and acknowledges the vital support of local security agencies in achieving this mission.
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