Police rescue 17 children from drug abuse, arrest two suppliers in Bauchi

Within the Bauchi State Police Command, a significant rescue mission unfolded, resulting in the safe recovery of 17 minors who had allegedly fallen victim to drug abuse. The intervention unfolded on November 5, 2026, at Adamu Jumba Street in Bauchi metropolis, when a concerned resident apprehended eight youngsters who were allegedly inhaling rubber solution.

This alarming scene prompted swift action from the police, who, in a follow-up operation later that night, rescued another nine minors at the Wunti Flyover area. In total, 17 children were successfully rescued from the clutches of drug abuse.

The Bauchi State Police Command's spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, revealed that information obtained from the rescued minors led to the arrest of two suspected suppliers during a subsequent operation on November 6. The two suspects, identified as 41-year-old Chimezie Ezikiel Nathan from Yelwan Makaranta area and 25-year-old Sani Ali from Muda Lawan Market, were apprehended during the operation. The police recovered 12 packs of rubber solution from the suspects during a search of their premises.

The rescued minors have been placed in protective custody as efforts are underway to identify their parents and guardians, with the ultimate goal of reuniting them with their families. The two arrested suspects are currently in police custody, while investigations are ongoing to uncover any other members of the alleged supply network.

Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, lauded the resident who alerted the authorities, emphasizing the reprehensible nature of exploiting children through drug supply. No child should be exposed to such dangers, and criminal elements should not profit from the future of our children, the commissioner stated emphatically. He further pledged that the police would relentlessly pursue and prosecute all those who supply drugs to minors, ensuring that every rescued child is protected and reunited with their families.

The commissioner urged parents, guardians, teachers, religious and community leaders to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving children to the police. He also assured residents that the Command would maintain its operations against drug peddling and child exploitation, particularly in identified hotspots.