Substance Abuse: Bauchi Police Rescue 17 Minors, Arrest Two
Two suspected suppliers of rubber solution arrested after minors gave information on supply chain
The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two suspected suppliers of rubber solution and rescued 17 minors allegedly found abusing the substance in Bauchi metropolis. The command said the operation was part of its commitment to protecting children, dismantling drug supply networks and ensuring the safety of communities. The command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday.
Habib said the operation followed the timely intervention of a concerned member of the public, who apprehended eight minors at Adamu Jumba Street, Bauchi, while they were allegedly abusing rubber solution. According to him, the minors were apprehended on November 5, 2026, at about 10pm and subsequently handed over to the police. He said operatives of the command’s Violent Crimes Response Unit conducted a follow-up operation later that night, during which another nine minors were rescued at the Wunti Flyover area for the same offence, bringing the total number of rescued minors to 17.
“Furthermore, acting on the information gathered from the rescued minors, operatives on November 6, 2026, at about 9pm, traced the supply chain and arrested two suspected suppliers,” the statement read. The suspects were identified as Chimezie Nathan, 41, of Yelwan Makaranta area, Bauchi, and Sani Ali, 25, of Muda Lawan Market, Bauchi. Habib added that a search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of 12 packs of rubber solution from the suspects.
He said all 17 minors had been taken into protective custody, while efforts were ongoing to identify and reunite them with their parents and guardians. Meanwhile, the suspects are in police custody, and discreet investigation is ongoing to uncover other members of the supply chain and ensure they are also brought to justice. The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, commended the good Samaritan for his vigilance and prompt intervention, and condemned the alleged exploitation of children through the supply of intoxicating substances.
