Two suspects, Ba’isa Yerima and Lawan Yusuf, have been arrested in Maiduguri for purchasing stolen phones, hacking them, and reselling them

The Borno Police Command has successfully arrested two individuals, Ba’isa Yerima, 25, and Lawan Yusuf, 26, for their involvement in the illegal trade of stolen mobile phones.

The suspects were apprehended in Maiduguri, Borno State, following an intelligence-driven operation by the police’s Crack Squad on March 15.

According to the police spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, the suspects were arrested in the Polo area of Maiduguri after a thorough investigation revealed that they specialised in purchasing stolen phones, hacking them, and bypassing security passwords before reselling them.

In a statement released on Friday, ASP Daso disclosed that a total of 61 stolen mobile phones worth N35 million were recovered from the suspects. Among these, seven phones had already been reported as stolen and were traced back to Yerima and Yusuf.

“The suspects specialise in purchasing stolen phones, hacking them, and bypassing security passwords before reselling them,” Daso stated, confirming that both suspects confessed to their involvement in the illegal activity.

Investigations are still ongoing to recover more stolen phones and identify other individuals involved in the racket.

Daso further urged members of the public who have lost mobile phones to visit the Crack Squad for identification and the possible retrieval of their property. He also reassured the public of the Borno Police Command’s continued commitment to ensuring public safety and security.

Residents were reminded to report any suspicious activities to the police via emergency contacts: 08068075581 and 08023473293.