News
Police Ready To Take On Radical Cult Group, ‘Shilla Boys’
The activities of a radicalised group known as ‘Shilla Boys’ made up of largely ages 15 -25 may be about to end, as the police has strategised to contain them.
The group is linked with various crimes in Jimeta, Yola and environs of Adamawa State, and its members usually disguise as commercial bicycle operators to dispossess unsuspecting members of the public of their valuables
They scout for passengers and once people innocently enter, they use dangerous weapons to dispossess then of their valuables.
Now, the Adamawa Police Command has said enough is enough and has set a Special Taskforce to curb their activities
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Olugbenga Adeyanju set up the task force on Sunday, according to the Spokesperson of the command, DSP Suleiman Nguroje.
“The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adeyanju, has formed a taskforce team to go after the radical and dangerous Shilla group into their hideouts.
“The Deputy Commissioner of police, Ajani Musibahu, is to head the team,” Nguroje said, adding that the development followed the incessant attacks by the criminal group on innocent citizens.
According to him, the commissioner had also urged the officers of the taskforce to be professional and operate within the context of the law while discharging their duties.
In reference to the recent killing of three suspected ‘Shilla boys’ by a mob, he urged residents to stop taking laws into their own hands as not to be taken in by the law, but rather, to report any suspicious movement around them to the police and other security agencies for prompt action.
“As part of the quick response, the Command has ordered the release of emergency numbers for the public to call in case of emergencies.
“The numbers are: 0808 9671 313 and 0810 7364 974,” said the spokesman.
Late last year, a 12 year old boy was about 151 other youngsters which the Adamawa State police command arrested after bursting a criminal gang connected with the reign of terror in the area.
The police said 65 of those arrested were of the ‘Shilla Boys’, while about 86 belonged to kidnap gangs.
The state Commissioner of Police, Adamu Madaki, who briefed journalists on the matter, aid the suspected criminals were arrested with five AK47 rifles, ten cutlasses and knives, 128 ammunition and 18 cartridges.
READ ALSO: Picture Of Tiv Man, His Mother’s Found Where He Hung Himself
“The command recorded tremendous achievements through the sacrifices of some gallant officers in the command in dislodging criminals in their hideouts, arresting suspects ranging from Kidnapers, armed robbers, radical Shila boys and the rescued of innocent civilians.”
He said the suspects would charged to court for criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, receiving stolen properties and kidnappings.