The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two suspected suppliers of rubber solution.
It also 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 arrested at the Wunti Flyover area for the same offence.
The spokesperson said the operation brought 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 statement added.
The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, commended the good Samaritan for his vigilance and prompt intervention.
The commissioner described the exploitation of minors through drug supply as wicked, shameful and unacceptable.
“No child should be exposed to drugs. No criminal should profit from destroying the future of our children.
“We will continue to pursue, arrest and prosecute all those who supply drugs to minors, and we will ensure that every rescued child is protected and reunited with family,” the statement quoted the commissioner as saying.
Aliyu appealed to parents, guardians, teachers, and religious and community leaders to closely monitor their children and promptly report suspicious persons or activities.
The commissioner urged residents to collaborate with the police in tackling drug abuse and related crimes across the state.
The command reaffirmed its zero tolerance for drug peddling and child exploitation, assuring residents of sustained raids on identified hotspots.
