Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have apprehended three members of a four-man syndicate that specializes in robbing bank customers and using locally fabricated master keys to gain unauthorized access to victims’ vehicles.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the command’s spokesperson, Ahmed Wakil, the gang has been operating across Bauchi, Borno, and Kano states, targeting individuals who withdraw large sums of money from banks.
How the Gang Operated
The arrested members include:
- Mustapha Bukar (42 years old)
- Mustapha Abubakar (47 years old)
- Habibu Tijjani (30 years old)
The fourth member, believed to be the gang leader, remains at large, and police are intensifying efforts to track him down.
"The modus operandi of the suspects involves monitoring bank customers who withdraw substantial amounts of money, then following them to rob them. They use locally fabricated master keys, known as ‘Chori’, to gain unauthorized access to their victims’ vehicles and properties," Wakil stated.
Arrest and Recovery of Stolen Items
The gang was apprehended on January 28, 2025, following a police intelligence operation led by the State Intelligence Department (SID).
Investigations revealed that on January 27, 2025, at around 5 PM, the syndicate tailed a 43-year-old businessman (name withheld) after he withdrew a large sum of money from FCMB Bank in Bauchi. The suspects followed him to his residence, strategically parking nearby, waiting for an opportunity to strike.
However, the victim noticed their suspicious movements and immediately contacted his family to secure his vehicle and alert the police. His swift action led to the arrest of three suspects, while the ringleader managed to escape.
Suspects Confess, Reveal Targeting Strategy
During interrogation, the arrested suspects confessed to their crimes, detailing how they specifically targeted bank customers, followed them to their destinations, and used fabricated master keys to break into parked vehicles.
Recovered items include:
- Three locally fabricated master keys
- Two Toyota Honda saloon vehicles
The police noted that the suspects had a preference for Honda vehicles, citing their weak locking mechanisms, making them easier to access.
Police Urge Vigilance, Offer Safety Tips
The State Commissioner of Police, Auwal Muhammad, has urged residents to take extra precautions when handling large cash withdrawals. He advised:
- Be vigilant when leaving banks and look out for suspicious individuals or vehicles.
- Avoid parking in isolated areas, especially near financial institutions.
- Refrain from carrying large sums of money in public to avoid attracting criminals.
- Report suspicious activities immediately to law enforcement agencies.
Ongoing Investigation
The police have assured that efforts are underway to apprehend the ringleader and dismantle similar criminal networks preying on unsuspecting bank customers.
With the recent crackdown on fraud syndicates and financial crimes in Nigeria, this arrest marks a significant step in ensuring safer banking operations for citizens.
