The Yobe State Police Command has arrested five commercial tricycle operators in connection with separate cases of rape and theft, marking what authorities describe as a significant milestone in the fight against crime in the state.

According to a statement released on Tuesday by the Command's Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, one of the suspects, 25-year-old Idriss Yakubu from Shengele Village in Fune Local Government Area, was apprehended for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl.

"On May 10, 2025, the suspect reportedly lured the victim into the bush and forcefully raped her," the statement revealed. Police investigations confirmed that Yakubu, who works as a commercial tricycle rider, confessed to the crime during interrogation.

In a separate incident, four other tricycle operators were arrested by the 'A' Divisional Police Headquarters for criminal conspiracy, theft, and related offenses. The suspects were identified as Abubakar Barnawa, 28; Mohd Modu, 20; Umar Mustapha, 18; and Musa Hassan, 19.

The police statement indicated that the four suspects allegedly used a tricycle with a falsified registration number to conceal their identity and evade arrest. Their apprehension followed a swift response to a trader's report of fraud.

The State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Ado, has condemned these criminal acts and urged community members to report any suspicious elements among commercial drivers and tricycle riders to the police.

"The command is committed to ensuring justice is served and that all untoward acts against the community will face stiff resistance," Commissioner Ado stated.

The police have assured the public of their dedication to protecting lives and property, encouraging citizens to report any form of abuse or crime to the authorities as investigations into both cases continue.