Operatives of State Intelligence Department (SID) of the Bauchi Police Command have arrested three members of a robbery syndicate specialising in tracking bank customers who make large withdrawal of money.
The trio, who were apprehended on January 28, 2025, are accused of monitoring their victims before robbing them in Bauchi, Borno, and Kano states.
The suspects include Mustapha Bukar, 42, from Maiduguri, Borno State; Mustapha Abubakar, 47; and Habibu Abubakar Tijjani, 30, both from Kano State.
They were said to use locally fabricated master keys, known as “Chori,” to gain unauthorised access to their victims’ vehicles and valuables.
Spokesperson of the Bauchi Police Command, CSP Mohammed Wakil told journalists on Friday that the suspects were caught in the act following a plan to rob a 43-year-old businessman who had withdrawn a large sum of money from a branch of FCMB in Bauchi on January 27, 2025.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,” he said.
During police interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in multiple robberies across the states.
They disclosed their method of operation, 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.”
In addition to the arrests, the police recovered two Toyota Honda saloon cars used in the crimes, as well as the fabricated master keys.
Wakil further said the suspects have also provided vital information that is expected to help authorities track down the ringleader, who remains at large.
Bauchi State Police Commissioner, CP Musa Muhammad has urged residents of the state to stay vigilant, particularly when leaving financial institutions.
He also advised residents to avoid isolated parking areas, desisting from carrying large sums of cash, and reporting any suspicious activities promptly to the police.
Residents are encouraged to contact the following numbers for assistance: 07068235368, 08034844393, 08151849417, and 09053872273.