Police dismantle gang robbing bank customers, looting from vehicles

YEPS
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Operatives from the Bauchi State Police Command have apprehended members of a four-man gang involved in robbing bank customers.

The gang is known to use locally made master keys to illegally access the vehicles of their victims.

A statement from the command’s spokesperson, Ahmed Wakil, issued on Friday, revealed that the group targets bank customers in Bauchi, Borno, and Kano states.

The arrested individuals are Mustapha Bukar, 42; Mustapha Abubakar, 47; and Habibu Tijjani, 30. The fourth member, identified as the gang leader, is currently on the run.

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“The suspects’ method involves closely monitoring bank customers who withdraw significant sums of money, with plans to rob them. They employ locally crafted master keys, referred to as ‘Chori,’ to unlawfully enter the victims’ vehicles and steal their possessions.

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“On January 28, 2025, after receiving credible intelligence, operatives from the State Intelligence Department (SID) captured the gang, which has been targeting customers across Bauchi, Borno, and Kano states. A detailed investigation indicated that on January 27, 2025, around 5 p.m., the suspects observed a 43-year-old businessman (name withheld) leaving FCMB Bank in Bauchi after making a large withdrawal for his business.

“The suspects trailed him to his residence, positioning their vehicles for a potential robbery. Once the victim realized he was being followed, he contacted his family to secure his vehicle and informed the police, which led to the arrest of three of the suspects.

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“During the investigation, the suspects admitted their involvement and provided valuable details that will help in the capture of the ringleader, who remains at large,” part of the statement read.

The statement also highlighted the recovery of three locally made master keys and two Toyota Honda saloon vehicles from the suspects.

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It further noted that the gang specifically targets individuals who have just withdrawn money from banks, trailing them to their homes.

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“Once the victims park their vehicles, the suspects use the fabricated keys to gain unauthorized access. The suspects revealed that Honda vehicles are particularly vulnerable due to their weaker locking systems.”

The Commissioner of Police, Auwal Muhammad, has urged residents to stay alert when leaving banks, avoid parking in secluded areas, refrain from carrying large sums of money publicly, and report any suspicious activities near banks, financial institutions, or residential areas to the police.

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