Police nab suspects for alleged robbery of bank customers in Northern states

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Police nab suspects for alleged robbery of bank customers in Northern states

Operatives from the State Intelligence Department (SID) of the Bauchi Police Command have arrested three members of a robbery syndicate specializing in tracking bank customers who make large withdrawals.

The suspects, apprehended on January 28, 2025, are accused of monitoring their victims before robbing them in Bauchi, Borno, and Kano states.

The arrested individuals include Mustapha Bukar, 42, from Maiduguri, Borno State; Mustapha Abubakar, 47; and Habibu Abubakar Tijjani, 30, both from Kano State.

The trio reportedly used locally fabricated master keys, known as “Chori,” to gain unauthorized access to their victims’ vehicles and valuables.

Bauchi Police Command spokesperson, CSP Mohammed Wakil, told journalists on Friday that the suspects were caught in the act as they planned to rob a 43-year-old businessman who had withdrawn a large sum of money from an FCMB branch in Bauchi on January 27, 2025.

“As they trailed him to his residence, the victim became suspicious and alerted his family and the police, prompting a swift response that led to the arrest of the suspects,” Wakil said.

During interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in multiple robberies across the states.

They explained that their modus operandi involved targeting individuals leaving banks with significant amounts of cash.

“Once their victims parked their vehicles, the syndicate would use the ‘Chori’ keys to unlock and steal from the cars, with a particular preference for Honda vehicles due to their vulnerable locking mechanisms,” they said.

In addition to the arrests, the police recovered two Toyota Honda saloon cars used in the crimes, along with the fabricated master keys.

Wakil further revealed that the suspects provided vital information that could help authorities track down the ringleader, who remains at large.

Bauchi State Police Commissioner, CP Musa Muhammad, has urged residents to remain vigilant, especially when leaving financial institutions. He advised the public to avoid parking in isolated areas, refrain from carrying large sums of cash, and report any suspicious activities to the police.

Residents are encouraged to contact the following numbers for assistance: 07068235368, 08034844393, 08151849417, and 09053872273.