The Borno State Police Command has apprehended two suspects, Ba’Isa Yerima, 25, and Lawan Yusuf, 26, for possessing 61 stolen mobile phones estimated at N35 million.
ASP Nahum Daso, the command’s spokesperson, disclosed in a statement on Friday that the suspects specialised in purchasing stolen mobile phones, hacking them, and bypassing security passwords before reselling them.
“On 15th March 2025, the Command Crack Squad, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted two suspects, Ba’Isa Yerima, 25, and Lawan Yusuf, 26.
“The two suspects have been arrested, and 61 stolen mobile phones worth N35,000,000 (Thirty-five million naira) recovered,” the statement read.
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Daso stated that the suspects were arrested in the Polo area of Maiduguri, the state capital.
“The suspects were arrested along Polo area, Maiduguri, in possession of 61 stolen phones,” he confirmed.
Detailing their operation, he added: “Their antics involve buying stolen mobile phones, hacking and bypassing security passwords, and reselling them.
“Among the recovered phones, seven have already been identified as reported stolen and were tracked.”
He added that the suspects had confessed to the crime, and investigations were ongoing to recover more stolen devices and return them to their owners.
The police command reaffirmed its commitment to public safety and security, encouraging victims of phone theft to step forward.
“Members of the public who have lost their mobile phones are encouraged to visit the Crack Squad for identification and possible retrieval of their devices,” Daso advised.
