Adamawa acid attack: Police arrest suspect after 17-year-old victim hospitalised following attack while walking to mosque in Shagari, Yola South

The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested an unidentified man for allegedly spraying a 17-year-old teenager with acid in the Shagari area of the state.

Also read: Public Outrage as Adamawa Officials Fund Wives’ Turkey Trip

The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday, with the victim, Walid Kassim Mohammed, running to the nearby Shagari Police Division in distress to report the attack.

According to the Public Relations Officer of the command, Suleiman Nguroje, the victim stated that he was attacked while on his way to the mosque.

“On 14/01/2026, the 17-year-old victim ran to the Shagari Division Headquarters in distress, stating that while on his way to the mosque, he was sprayed with a substance suspected to be acidic by one Idris Hamza, a resident of Shagari, Yola South LGA,” Nguroje said.

The victim was immediately taken to a hospital for medical treatment, while the suspect was placed in protective custody pending further investigation.

Commissioner of Police Dankombo Morris has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to take over the case to ensure a thorough inquiry.

“More details will be provided as the investigation progresses,” Nguroje added.

This is not the first reported acid attack in Nigeria.

In November 2025, a man in Amufi, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, allegedly sprayed his girlfriend with a substance believed to be acid, resulting in her hospitalisation.

Also read: Adamawa police arrest robbery suspects recover stolen vehicle

Authorities continue to urge the public to report such incidents promptly to prevent further harm and ensure swift justice.