
By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Bauchi State Police Command has busted a 4-man syndicate that specialises in targeting and robbing bank customers of their money and other valuables.
The Command stated that the modus operandi of the suspects involves monitoring bank customers who withdraw substantial amounts of money intending to rob them as they utilize locally fabricated master keys, “Chori,” to gain unauthorized access to their victims’ vehicles snatch their properties.
According to the Command PPRO, CSP Ahmed Wakili, “On 28 January 2025, operatives of the State Intelligence Department (SID), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended a four-man syndicate specializing in targeting bank customers across Bauchi, Borno, and Kano States.”
He stated in a statement on Friday that the individuals taken into custody are identified as follows: Mustapha Bukar, aged 42, from Maiduguri, Borno State,
Mustapha Abubakar, aged 47, from Kano, Kano State and Habibu Abubakar Tijjani, aged 30, also from Kano, Kano State.
He stated that, “A thorough investigation revealed that on 27 January 2025, at about 5:00 PM, the suspects conspired to observe a 43-year-old businessman (names withheld) as he left FCMB Bank in Bauchi after withdrawing a considerable sum of money for his business operations.”
He added that,”The suspects proceeded to follow him to his residence, strategically positioning their vehicles as they awaited the victim’s exit, intending to rob him of his funds.”
Ahmed Wakili added that, “Upon realizing he was being followed, the victim contacted his family, instructing them to open the gate and secure his vehicle. He subsequently informed the Police regarding the suspicious activities, which led to the apprehension of three of the suspects.”
He added that,”During investigation, all apprehended suspects confessed to their involvement and provided crucial information that would aid in the capture of the ringleader, who is currently at large.”
“The suspects were found in possession of three locally fabricated master keys, commonly known as “Chori,” which are employed to unlock the vehicles of their targets. Additionally, two Toyota Honda saloon vehicles utilised in committing these crimes were recovered as exhibits,” he added.
The PPRO stated that the suspects confessed to participating in various robbery operations across multiple states, including Bauchi, Kano, and Borno.
According to him,”They specifically targeted individuals who had withdrawn money from banks, trailing them to their destinations.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.”
In recognition of the operatives’ diligence and dedication, the Commissioner of Police Bauchi StateCommand, CP Auwal Musa Muhammad, urged residents to exercise vigilance when departing from banks, avoid parking in isolated areas, refrain from carrying large sums of money in public
The Commissioner also urged them to report any suspicious activities near banks, financial institutions, or residential areas to the Police promptly using the following contacts: 07068235368, 08034844393, 08151849417, 09053872273.
