Gombe Police abolish use of truck horns by motorcyclists
The Gombe State Police Command says it has intensified its clampdown on traffic violators and criminal activities involving the use of motorcycles and tricycles.
The command added that the clampdown has resulted in the seizure of 327 motorcycles and tricycles across the state.
While further disclosing this development, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, told our correspondent that the offences ranged from unauthorised modifications and unsafe night operations to direct involvement in criminal activities.
Arewa PUNCH reports that of the total seizures, 69 tricycles were impounded for operating with unauthorised extra drivers, using curtains to cover windows, and driving at night without cabin lights – these are all practices which the police say increasingly enable concealment of evil acts and also help to facilitate crime.
“Some of these tricycles have been linked to robberies and drug movements,” Abdullahi said.
He continued, “This is not just about enforcing traffic laws. It’s part of a wider campaign to curb insecurity and protect Gombe residents from rising threats.”
A key component of the operation also targeted the dangerous use of truck horns by motorcycles. According to DSP Abdullahi, 38 motorcycles were seized for replacing standard horns with loud truck variants, which authorities believe pose serious safety and public health risks.
“These trucks horns cause excessive noise pollution and contribute to road accidents,” he said.
“They startle both pedestrians and other motorists, especially in busy areas. We’ve had incidents where the sudden blare of such horns led to panic and collisions. It’s a menace we’re determined to stop.”
Further enforcement efforts led to the impoundment of 220 motorcycles for violating the nighttime curfew on motorcycle movement between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. The restriction, according to the police, remains a key strategy for reducing night-time crimes.
“This regulation is in place for a reason,” Abdullahi stressed. “We urge all commercial riders to strictly adhere. Anyone found violating this law will face the consequences.”
Owners of impounded vehicles have been asked to report to the State Command with valid documentation and proof of compliance, including installation of functional cabin lights where necessary.
In a parallel operation, the police also recovered an alarming cache of weapons: 514 knives, 148 cutlasses, three daggers, and ten dagger sheaths. The Command noted that public display and possession of such weapons have now dropped significantly due to aggressive mopping-up efforts.
The Command further announced the arrest of a suspected drug dealer, 26-year-old Muhammad Ibrahim of Angwan Dakum via Dadin-Kowa. He was reportedly caught with a large haul of illicit substances that included 136 capsules ofv⁹ Tramadol, 568 tablets of Valium-5, 226 wraps of Indian hemp, six bottles of the local intoxicant known as “Kurkura”, two liters of the lethal “suck and die” substance, N207,845 in suspected drug proceeds, and 102 packs of assorted cigarettes.
Describing the arrest as “a significant breakthrough in our fight against drug abuse and illicit distribution,” DSP Abdullahi emphasised the Command’s resolve to continue dismantling narcotics networks across Gombe.
In another sting operation, nine suspects were apprehended for tampering with the IMEI numbers of stolen mobile phones—a practice commonly used to obstruct police tracking.
“We are closing in on those who help criminals hide stolen phones,” said Abdullahi.
Let it be known, tampering with IMEI numbers is a crime, and those involved will face the full weight of the law.”
The Gombe Police Command called on the public — especially commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators — to comply with safety and traffic regulations.
“Our goal is not to punish, but to protect,” Abdullahi reiterated. “Everyone has a role to play in making our roads and communities safer,” he pointed out
