PHOTOS: Police arrest two with stolen phones worth N35m in Borno

The Borno State Police Command has arrested two suspects, Ba’Isa Yerima, 25, and Lawan Yusuf, 26, in possession of 61 stolen mobile phones valued at N35 million.

In a statement issued on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, revealed that the suspects specialized in buying stolen mobile phones, hacking, 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.

According to Daso, the suspects were apprehended 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.

Explaining their mode of 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 further stated that both suspects have confessed to the crime, and investigations are ongoing to track more stolen devices and return them to their rightful owners.

The police command assured residents of its commitment to public safety and security, urging victims of phone theft to come 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.