Five Arrested in Maiduguri Over Alleged Thuggery, Drug Possession

By Abdullahi Alhassan

The Borno State Police Command has arrested five men around the West End Roundabout area of Maiduguri and charged them to court over allegations of political thuggery, breach of public peace and possession of suspected illicit drugs.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Command said its officers made the arrests at about 6:00pm on September 25, 2026, during a routine township patrol.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, the suspects were allegedly engaged in conduct capable of causing public disturbance when they were intercepted.

Items recovered from them, the police said, include 15 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, 100 tablets suspected to be Diazepam, also known as D5, one shisha pot, one pair of scissors, and two T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.”

“Statements were obtained from the suspects during preliminary investigation,” ASP Daso stated. “Upon completion of the initial investigation, the case was charged to court.”

The arrests have since sparked viral reports and public debate online, with some suggesting the men were targeted for their political views.

“The Nigeria Police Force is a professional, non-partisan institution and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of political affiliation or viewpoint,” the statement read.

“The Command remains committed to the protection of fundamental human rights, the rule of law, due process, accountability and transparency.”

ASP Daso added that taking the matter to court was meant to allow the judicial process to run its course, and urged members of the public to rely on verified information rather than speculation.

“The Borno State Police Command remains committed to professionalism, impartiality, accountability and the protection of lives and property,” he said.

The suspects are expected to face charges related to public disturbance and drug possession. The court is yet to announce a date for hearing.