Saturday, February 1, 2025 -The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested three members of a four-man syndicate that specialises in robbing bank customers.
According to a statement issued on Friday, Jan. 31, by the command’s
spokesperson, Ahmed Wakil, the gang targets bank customers across Bauchi,
Borno, and Kano states.
The arrested members include Mustapha Bukar, 42; Mustapha Abubakar, 47;
and Habibu Tijjani, 30. The fourth member, who is the gang leader, is currently
at large.
The statement reads: "The modus operandi of the suspects involves
monitoring bank customers who withdraw substantial amounts of money with the
intention of robbing them.
"They utilise locally fabricated master keys, known as ‘Chori,’ to
gain unauthorised access to their victims’ vehicles and properties.
"On January 28, 2025, operatives from the State Intelligence
Department (SID), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended the syndicate,
which specialises in targeting bank customers across Bauchi, Borno, and Kano
states. A thorough investigation revealed that on January 27, 2025, at around 5
pm, the suspects observed a 43-year-old businessman (name withheld) leaving
FCMB Bank in Bauchi after withdrawing a substantial sum for his business
operations.
"The suspects followed him to his residence, positioning their
vehicles strategically as they awaited his exit, intending to rob him of his
funds. Upon realising he was being followed, the victim contacted his family to
open the gate and secure his vehicle. He then informed the police about the
suspicious activities, which led to the apprehension of three suspects.
"During the investigation, all apprehended suspects confessed to
their involvement and provided crucial information that will aid in the capture
of the ringleader, who is still at large," the statement partly
read.
The statement added that items recovered from the suspects included
three locally fabricated master keys and two Toyota Honda saloon
vehicles.
It also noted that the suspects specifically targeted individuals
who had withdrawn money from banks, trailing them to their destinations.
"Once the victims parked their vehicles, the suspects used the
fabricated keys to unlawfully access the cars. The suspects indicated that
Honda vehicles are particularly susceptible due to weak locking
mechanisms."
The State Commissioner of Police, Auwal Muhammad, urged residents to
exercise vigilance when leaving banks, avoid parking in isolated areas, refrain
from carrying large sums of money in public, and report any suspicious
activities near banks, financial institutions, or residential
areas to the police.
0 Comments