Adamawa State police officers reported on Wednesday, April 17, that they had apprehended 49 gang members who were known as the Shila Boys.
The gangs, which prey on residents’ phones and other useful items, have a majority of teenagers and occasionally young adults.
In contrast to the stereotype of Shila Boys as being male, two of the apprehended suspects are female.
According to a statement from the Adamawa State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje, the suspects were apprehended as a result of recent operations by the command. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
SP Nguroje said that the operations at identified criminal hideouts and blackspots within the state capital, including areas around Geriyo Junction, Doubeli Junction, Jambutu Aso Rock, Behind Ramat College, and Total Flyover, all in Jimeta, Yola North Local Government Area, led to the arrest of the 47 boys and two girls.
“The Adamawa State Police Commissioner of Police, Dankombo Morris, assures members of the public that the command will continue to employ all necessary resources and strategies to sustain the fight against Shila gangsterism,” the police PRO stated.
The activities of Shila Boys have worsened in recent times to the point that on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, the Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, hinted at fresh measures to curb them.
