Residents raise alarm over ‘Shilla Boys’ as police intensify patrols in Adamawa

Residents of Yola, Jimeta and surrounding communities in Adamawa State have expressed growing concern over the activities of suspected street gangs popularly referred to as “Shilla Boys,” whose alleged involvement in violent crimes and public disturbances has heightened tension across parts of the state capital.

In response to the growing anxiety, the Adamawa State Police Command has intensified security operations aimed at restoring calm and reassuring residents of government’s commitment to public safety.

The renewed security measures followed reports circulating on social media alleging an increase in attacks, harassment, robbery and gang-related violence linked to suspected groups operating in parts of Yola North and Yola South Local Councils.

For many residents, the fear is becoming increasingly real. Some business owners and commuters have reportedly become more cautious about late-night movements, while community leaders have repeatedly called for stronger security presence in identified hotspots.

Security analysts said the rise of youth gangs, commonly known in some northern cities as
“Shilla,” is often linked to unemployment, drug abuse, peer influence and weak community structures. In several urban communities across northern Nigeria, such gangs have been associated with street violence, phone snatching, cult-like activities and clashes with rival groups.

Concerns over the activities of such groups have resurfaced in recent months, particularly in densely populated areas of Jimeta and parts of the Yola metropolis where residents complain of increasing cases of intimidation and violent behaviour.

To confront the challenge, the Adamawa Police Commandsaid the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), alongside other tactical teams, had been mandated to intensify intelligence-led raids on criminal hideouts and strengthen community-based policing initiatives.

Police authorities believe that beyond enforcement, collaboration between residents and security agencies remains critical to addressing the menace. The command urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid spreading panic through unverified information, and support ongoing operations with credible intelligence.

“The ongoing operations are specifically targeted at identifying, arresting and prosecuting offenders responsible for acts of violence, robbery and public disturbance,” the statement noted.

Reacting to the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, Suleiman Nguroje, said the command had not taken the reports lightly and was already implementing strategic operations to tackle criminal activities in the affected communities.

According to him, the Commissioner of Police, Kabir Hassan, has ordered intensified day and night patrols, stop-and-search operations, and increased surveillance in areas considered vulnerable to criminal activities.

The police authorities also directed Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to strengthen visibility policing and improve intelligence gathering as part of efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for terrorising residents.