The Yobe State Police Command has taken two suspects into custody over the alleged killing of a newborn baby girl whose body was reportedly found hidden inside a box and dumped behind a mosque in Damaturu, the state capital.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, said the arrests were made after a prompt investigation by the police into the incident.
Operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit launched an investigation after receiving a distress report on June 23 concerning the alleged murder of the infant.
He said, “On June 23, 2026, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit responded to a distress call concerning the alleged killing of a newborn baby and the concealment of her remains in Anguwar Boka area of Damaturu.”
According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that a woman who recently gave birth to the child was allegedly involved in circumstances that led to the baby’s death.
“Initial findings indicate that the newborn baby girl was allegedly strangled, after which her remains were hidden inside a box and dumped behind a mosque in the area,” Abdulkarim stated.
The police spokesman added that prompt action by detectives led to the arrest of two suspects who are currently assisting with ongoing investigations.
“Swift police intervention resulted in the arrest of two suspects. They are presently in custody and assisting investigators as efforts continue to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident,” he said.
He stated that the investigation was still ongoing and assured residents that the command would do everything necessary to ensure justice is served.
“The investigation is ongoing, and the command is committed to gathering all relevant facts to ensure that justice is done,” Abdulkarim added.
Reacting to the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, Usman Kanfani Jibrin, condemned the alleged killing, describing it as a “heinous and inhuman act.”
Jibrin said, “Every human life is precious and must be protected. The command will not tolerate violence against children or any vulnerable member of society.”
He warned that anyone found culpable would face prosecution in accordance with the law.
“Whoever is found responsible for this crime will be prosecuted in line with the provisions of the law,” the commissioner stated.
The police commissioner also reaffirmed every child’s right to protection, proper care, and dignity, emphasizing that anyone found violating those rights would face the full consequences of the law.
“Every child has inherent rights guaranteed by law and deserves protection, care and dignity. Those who violate these rights will be held accountable,” Jibrin added.