18 July 2026 · Scam/fraud
Security in Potiskum
OpenWatch has recorded 58 security incidents in Potiskum Local Government Area, Yobe State, with 5 in the last 12 months. That is 12% of every incident recorded in the state, making it 2 of 4 among the Yobe LGAs with enough reporting to profile.
Incidents · 12 mo
5
Fatalities · 12 mo
1
Incidents · all-time
58
Fatalities · all-time
518
Latest reported incidents in Potiskum
Most recent involve scam/fraud, gender-based violence, armed robbery, communal violence
17 July 2026 · Scam/fraud
Yobe State Police operatives raided a drug warehouse in Potiskum on July 17, 2026, arresting a suspected drug baron and recovering eight cartons of hard drugs, Tramadol and Exzol tablets, and over N835,000 in suspected drug proceeds; in a separate operation, police arrested a suspected kidnapping kingpin who had threatened a victim with death via phone call on July 10, demanding N10 million ransom.
1 June 2026 · Armed robbery
Police in Yobe State uncovered an illegal firearms fabrication workshop in Potiskum and arrested seven suspected gunmakers during a raid. Several firearms and tools were recovered from the site.
12 May 2026 · Scam/fraud
Five suspected fraudsters were arrested in Yobe State for allegedly defrauding a victim of over forty-nine million naira under the pretense of producing money. The suspects were found in possession of counterfeit foreign currencies and other items related to their fraudulent activities.
31 March 2026 · Communal violence
A teenager died after being struck with a stick during a clash among youths at a wedding ceremony in Potiskum, Yobe State. The incident escalated into violence involving multiple youths from nearby villages.
4 March 2024 · Gender-based violence
A lecturer at Al-Ma’arif College of Health Science and Technology in Potiskum has been arrested for allegedly raping and molesting four students. The suspect reportedly exploited his position to lure students for sexual favors in exchange for grades.
4 October 2023 · Gender-based violence
A man was arrested for chaining his wife due to her mental illness in Potiskum, Yobe State. The woman was reportedly tortured and prevented from seeking help.
1 September 2023 · Gender-based violence
A 40-year-old teacher in Potiskum, Yobe State, has been arrested for allegedly defiling a 6-month-old baby girl, causing severe injuries. The case has sparked outrage on social media, particularly regarding the suspect's release on bail.
31 July 2023 · Armed robbery
A Keke-NAPEP rider was stabbed to death by suspected thieves who stole his tricycle in Potiskum LGA, Yobe State. The police are currently pursuing the perpetrators.
12 October 2022 · Kidnapping
Four teenagers were arrested for kidnapping two minors in the Nahuta area of Potiskum, Yobe State. They demanded a ransom of N5 million for the release of a 14-year-old boy, which was later negotiated down to N200,000.
Other areas in Yobe
About these figures
Counts cover incidents recorded in Potiskum LGA, excluding retracted reports and duplicates merged into an earlier report, and update hourly. Last recorded: 18 July 2026.
Reported numbers are a floor, not a census. Local government areas differ enormously in how closely they are covered by the press, so a low count reflects both a safer area and a quieter one. Coverage in this record is densest from 2026 onward. See the full Yobe profile for state-level context, or the methodology for how incidents are collected.
Track Potiskum live on the incident map.