The Yobe State Police Command has issued a fresh alert to the public, urging everyone to stay sharp and keep a close eye on their surroundings.
Through its spokesperson, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, the Command released a statement on Saturday to brief the press on emerging security concerns.
According to the report, intelligence suggests that criminals may be trying to blend into neighborhoods by posing as small-scale vendors or mobile service workers.
The Command noted that “these individuals may present themselves under the pretence of selling perfumes commonly known as “Mai Tolare,” nail cutters, pushing hand trucks, or even begging while moving from ward to ward, houses, offices, markets, and other public places.”
The police warned that “such activities may be used as a cover to survey environments and identify vulnerable locations.”
Residents are being told to be wary of any strangers hanging around residential areas, churches, mosques, markets, or schools. The statement further cautioned that “reports also suggest that some of these individuals may use tricycles as a means of transportation and often appear neat and decently dressed in order to avoid suspicion.”
While telling the public there is no need to panic, the police are asking people to stay alert and call in any weird behavior or suspicious characters to the nearest station.
The Command also reached out to local influencers, stating: “Community leaders, market associations, transport unions, and religious leaders are also encouraged to sensitise their members and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that will assist in preventing potential security threats.”
The police concluded by reminding everyone that they are fully committed to keeping the state safe, but they need the community’s eyes and ears to help maintain the peace.